The signing of the Istanbul Convention by Commissioner Věra Jourová on 13 June 2017 was an extremely important step in establishing the first legally binding instrument dedicated to combating violence against women. 

Violence against women is rooted in the unequal power relations between women and men and is one of the strongest expressions of gender inequality. “The elimination of violence against women involves challenging the unequal division of social, political, and economic power among women and men, and the ways in which this inequality is reinforced at all levels of society” says Virginija Langbakk, EIGE's Director. 

In this context, the European Institute for Gender Equality has been strongly supporting the EU and the Member States in their efforts to eradicate violence against women since the very start of its activities seven years ago.  

The Chairperson of EIGE’s Management Board, Prof. Dr Kalliope Agapiou-Josephides, highlighted the importance of the signing by Commissioner Věra Jourová of the Council of Europe Convention (Istanbul Convention) on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and underlined EIGE’s commitment to take all necessary actions to fulfil its role in this respect.

The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) calls for regular monitoring of State efforts, policy initiatives and the design of more effective strategies.

Learn more about EIGE's work on gender-based violence.

Photo (C): Council of Europe