Since the Covid-19 outbreak, cases of gender-based violence are increasing. Women and girls are more likely to face more violence due to isolation and financial difficulties caused by the pandemic.

The EU has tools to guide States’ response to this surge of violence. The Istanbul convention celebrates its 10th anniversary and is built to guide governments’ action in tackling physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm targeting women. While data shows that many hostile sexists also carry anti-EU ideas, we need to use European tools to strengthen protection from abuse and reaffirm European values. 

During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based-Violence and ahead of the European Movement International and the European Women’s Lobby sixth edition of the Women of Europe awards highlighting the contribution of women in promoting and advancing European issues, this digital event was the opportunity to discuss the protection of women’s rights with high level speakers. 

Using the Istanbul Convention to Counter Gender-based Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date: Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Time: 14:00-15:00 CET

The panel included:

• Milena Kadieva, Human Rights Lawyer at the Gender Alternatives Foundation and Winner of the Women in Action Award 2019
• Claire Fourçans, Policy Director, European Women’s Lobby
• Jackie Jones, Professor of Law, Board member of the European Women Lawyers Association
• Cindy Southworth, Global Head of Women’s Safety, Meta

Moderated by Inès Ayyadi, Events and Projects Officer, European Movement International.

The event was live streamed on the European Movement’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn pages.

The livestream is available here: