White Ribbon Campaign

Intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form of violence against women in the EU. In a joint effort to address this, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), together with the Luxembourg Ministry of Equal Opportunities will launch the 2015 White Ribbon Campaign in Luxembourg on 25 November, the international day for the elimination of violence against women.

The highest political level of Luxembourg, the Presidency of the EU Council, is standing up for the cause. Lydia Mutsch, Minister for Equal Opportunities said: “Fighting and eradicating violence against women can only succeed if all the relevant actors work closely together. At every level. Women and men. Together.”

President of the Parliament, Mars di Bartolomeo, Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel and several ministers will make their official White Ribbon pledge at the launch - to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

EIGE delivers evidence and information on gender-based violence, including good practices on prevention, protection and training of service providers.

Our research and findings signal that women are killed because they are women, girls are exposed to the most traumatic mutilation because they are women, it must cease and men must engage in the process. We will develop a solid piece of evidence for the EU that can help create a dignified future for women and girls”, was the message conveyed by Virginija Langbakk, director of EIGE.

Data gathered for EIGE’s Gender Equality Index finds that in EU countries on average, 1 in 5 women have experienced physical violence by a partner and the real numbers may well be even higher. Men must play a key role in ending violence against women and the White Ribbon campaign engages them to become agents of change. EIGE encourages men to speak out and take action among their friends, colleagues and families that violence against women will not be tolerated.

The White Ribbon Campaign is one of EIGE’s awareness-raising activities on this topic. Together with the campaign launch, EIGE will reveal its online White Ribbon platform where anyone wanting to show their commitment to end violence against women, can sign the White Ribbon pledge.

To find out more about the White Ribbon campaign, visit EIGE’s website or follow on Facebook and Twitter.  

Downaload the press release in PDF