In an era where progress towards gender equality is often celebrated, we must confront an inconvenient truth: violence against women remains a global epidemic that demands urgent action. The European Union (EU), as one of the world's most significant political and economic entities, has both the responsibility and the power to lead the charge in eliminating this violence. But despite years of policy advancements, the fight is far from over. In fact, gender-based violence is on the rise in many places, online and offline. As the EU pushes forward in its commitment to women's rights, it must not only push back against the pushback against gender equality, but also tackle the root causes of inequality that fuel this violence. Every day, women are killed intentionally — one every 11 minutes.
As a woman, as a leader and fighter for women empowerment in every segment of life I commit to this cause.
1/Breaking the Silence: Online and Offline
Violence against women manifests in many forms: physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual, with an alarming rise in cyber violence. From domestic abuse to harassment on social media, the threat women face is omnipresent. But perhaps the most insidious feature of this violence is that it often remains hidden in the shadows, shielded by silence, shame, and stigma especially in our area of operations.
We must take bold steps to break this silence. We cannot afford to pretend that violence against women is an issue confined to isolated instances or "personal" matters. We need to foster a culture where violence against women is not tolerated, where survivors feel supported to come forward, and where perpetrators are held accountable.
Our mission has a role in pushing back against harmful narratives and stereotypes that perpetuate violence. From tackling victim-blaming rhetoric to confronting online harassment, we are working together with our partners to eliminate the stigmas that silence women’s voices. "Break the silence" isn't just a slogan; it must be a call to action at every level of society, from government policy to grassroots movements.
2/Tackling the Root Causes
It is not enough to merely respond to violence after it occurs. To truly eradicate gender-based violence, we must tackle the root causes of inequality. These causes lie deep within the fabric of society—entrenched in patriarchal norms, outdated gender stereotypes, and institutionalized discrimination.
These systemic issues create an environment where women’s lives are undervalued, and where their safety and autonomy can be compromised. Violence, in its many forms, becomes an unfortunate byproduct of a world where women’s rights are sidelined.
Our mission focuses on preventive measures. This means we assist the establishment of a better legal frameworks for protecting women but also EUBAM invests in programs that promote gender equality and development among women in partner administrations. Moreover, gender equality cannot be achieved without the full and active participation of men and boys. We strive to include men in these efforts, encouraging them to take responsibility for challenging harmful behaviors and norms.
3/Women Are Killed Intentionally — Every Day
One of the most horrifying realities is that women are killed intentionally every day. It is a tragedy that cannot be normalized or ignored. The shocking statistic that one woman is killed every 11 minutes as a result of gender-based violence is a stark reminder that we are not doing enough. These femicides are not isolated cases; they are the end result of a broader culture of violence, where women’s lives are seen as less valuable and their rights are easily dismissed. Our mission is dedicating efforts to improve the legal responses to such crimes, ensuring that the laws are not only stringent but are also properly enforced.
4/The Path Forward: A Unified Effort
The European Commission has already taken important steps with initiatives like the Istanbul Convention, the EU’s framework for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. But while the EU has made strides in combating violence against women, much remains to be done. The EU is committed to addressing violence against women in conflict zones and across borders, providing a comprehensive, global approach to ending gender-based violence. Beyond legislation this entails investing in education, public awareness campaigns, and the active involvement of civil society. Local Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must all come together to break the cycle of violence and push back against those who seek to reverse the hard-won gains in gender equality.
Conclusion: Pushing Forward for Equality and Women Empowerment
The struggle to eliminate violence against women is not just about passing laws or creating programs—it's about changing the culture, the mindset, and the systems that allow violence to persist. Women have the power to set the standard for gender equality globally, but we must act with urgency and determination. It is time to push back against the pushback. The fight for gender equality requires all of us to be active participants. We must break the silence, tackle the root causes of violence, and take bold action to protect and empower women everywhere. Women should never live in fear of violence, whether online or offline. They should never face the threat of being killed simply because of their gender. I that gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality for all women, everywhere.”
Nataliya Apostolova,
Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission
For the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM RAFAH)
