According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) one in three women has experienced violence since the age of 15. Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) is linked to structural inequalities between genders in many aspects of life, representing their most terrible expression. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) 2017 Gender Equality Index showed that progress comes at a very slow pace in this matter. The overall EU’s score on gender equality is now out of 100 (just four points higher than ten years ago), but levels of inequality differ widely across Member States.

This International Symposium will provide a timely opportunity to analyse the available instruments and the existing challenges in shaping a truly comprehensive and holistic strategy for tackling gender-based violence in the EU. It will also support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking and topical debate with local and regional practitioners and policy makers at EU level.

Overview:

• Session 1 - Reinforcing the European Framework to Combat and Prevent Gender-based Violence
• Session 2 - Developing Effective Strategies to Target VAWG Offences 
• Session 3 - Tackling Gender-based Violence in the Digital Space
• Session 4 - Ensuring Targeted Prevention and Protection of Vulnerabilities

Delegates will:

• Examine the current legislative framework for tackling gender-based violence and discuss the consequences of EU accession to the Convention of Istanbul
• Evaluate concrete actions carried out by the EU institutions to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls and reduce gender inequalities
• Understand emerging forms of online gender-based violence and abuse
• Discover sustainable solutions, preventative measures and methods for successful public engagement and awareness raising
• Discuss methods to successfully target offenders and securing prosecution
• Share ideas on holistic strategies for empowering and protecting victims of gender-based violence in social and public spaces
• Explore examples of best practice and models of intervention to protect women with specific vulnerabilities