Gender equality is a human right. It is also essential for eradicating poverty and improving the lives of future generations. Gender equality is at the heart of all our programming and advocacy work. IPPF pushes for legal and policy reforms which combat female genital mutilation (FGM), early forced marriage and other forms of gender discrimination.
Articles by Gender equality
Our recommendations to the European Commission 2024-2029
The structure of EU institutions in the upcoming legislature will be crucial for the degree of prioritisation given to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). These are our recommendations for the future of European Institutions, from the renewal of the mandate of a European Commissioner dedicated to (Gender) Equality, to the renewal the Union of Equality Agenda and all relevant Strategies, while mainstreaming SRHR in them, - to ensuring sufficient funding for gender equality and SRHR in the EU budget. Read more below.
Women Human Rights Defenders stand up for our rights! Why the EU must stand up for them.
This 8 March, IPPF EN would like to celebrate and pay tribute to Women Human Rights Defenders and the vital role they play in protecting and advancing gender equality and women’s rights, in inspiring social change and in challenging the status quo. Women Human Right Defenders (WHRDs) and civil society actors in Europe have been operating for years in increasingly hostile and dangerous environments, where intimidation, smear campaigns and legal proceedings are used against individuals and organisations. Many of our members and partners – in countries including France, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Spain, to name a few – are facing, or have faced, unacceptable forms of violence and harassment at the hands of state and non-state actors. In 2024 we are bracing for European Parliament elections in which far-right parties are widely expected to increase their influence in political decision-making, reflecting widespread gains in many Member States. The ongoing rise of authoritarian, regressive and misogynistic movements will continue to undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In this context, gender equality, women’s rights, LGBTIQ+ rights and reproductive freedom will face further serious threats. So too will Women Human Rights Defenders and civil society organisations who defend these values. As the elections approach, IPPF EN is calling on the politicians who will shortly take over leadership of the EU’s political agenda for the next five years to do all they can to build an inclusive feminist Europe that stands up for gender equality and SRHR. IPPF EN strongly welcomes the recognition in the EU’s recently-adopted Directive on Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, that Women Human Rights Defenders are particularly impacted by violence, and that targeting a Women Human Rights Defender, in an attempt to silence them and hinder their activism, demonstrates higher culpability and should carry an increased sentence for the perpetrator. But much more needs to be done. We need the EU to guarantee an enabling and safe civic space and step up its support to WHRDs and civil society organisations promoting women’s human rights, gender equality, LGBTIQ rights, Roma rights, migrant rights and SRHR. It must do this financially, investing through EU funding instruments, but also politically, by firmly condemning threats and attacks, offering protection, consulting meaningfully with WHRDs and giving visibility to their actions and causes. Together with our civil society partners, we would specifically like to see the EU adopt a Civil Society Strategy and develop a protection mechanism for human rights defenders, that also recognises that reproductive rights defenders are experiencing specific type of attacks, so that all forms of aggressions, threats, smear campaigns and limitations of civic space can be reported and addressed. This should go hand-in-hand with taking all possible measures to enforce respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights. This 8 March, IPPF EN calls on the EU to defend and ensure the safety of women and all people standing up for its core values, in particular women’s human rights and gender equality! This is essential to building an inclusive, feminist Europe with greater freedoms for everyone. *** Read here stories of brave human rights defenders who have fought for abortion rights, democracy and the rule of law in Poland. The example of Polish activists and social movements who collectively mobilised vast numbers of women and young people to defeat the far-right governing PiS party in the 2023 elections is an inspiration. It also underlines the urgent need for greater EU-level protections for rights defenders. Read here the EU elections manifesto of Civil Society Europe, endorsed by IPPF EN, which calls inter alia for the creation of an EU mechanism to protect civil society, activists and defenders.
EU fails to criminalise rape but strengthens prevention measures and support services for survivors
Yesterday, the European Parliament and Member States reached a hard-won agreement on the Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. IPPF EN welcomes this first ever binding EU legislation on combating violence against women. But we regret that, while the Directive contains positive measures, the final text is incomplete and represents a serious missed opportunity to ensure protection from all forms of gender-based violence for all people. It is outrageous and deeply disappointing that lack of political will from national governments, notably France and Germany, has resulted in a final text that does not tackle the scourge of sexual violence, in spite of bold efforts from the European Commission and Parliament.
Digital Fireside Chat on Combating Violence
Join us on Instagram on December 7 at 10.30am CET, to discuss how to achieve #AWorldWhere we are all free from gender-based violence together with Sonali Silva, SRHR activist and co-chair at SheDecides, Josephine Odhiambo, Program Lead at Youth Changers Kenya, and Esme Stuart, Programme Manager – Human Rights, Gender and Youth at the European Commission, DG INTPA. During this event, our guests will share their reflections on the challenges we face in combating gender-based violence globally and the solutions we have at our disposal to ensure we all live in a safer world. Violence against women is endemic in every country and culture with 1 in 3 women across the globe expected to experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. We know this number is higher in some places, affecting 2 in 3 women. We have a shared responsibility to help create more gender equal societies in which everyone is safe from harm and treated with dignity. We will also discuss how sexual and reproductive health and rights can be part of the solutions that we know are effective to prevent, protect and support survivors. What can you expect? We will be talking about the benefits of directly funding grassroot feminist organisations and movements that work to end gender-based violence and how our communities can change for the better if we work together to redesign systems so that they protect everyone. We will also be speaking about the role of the European Union in fighting gender-based violence globally. Join our Instagram Live and follow @C2030Europe for updates! Add this to your calendar. The Instagram Live is organised under the umbrella of the #AWorldWhere campaign aiming to drive Europe’s global commitments on sexual and reproductive health and rights, to meet Sustainable Development Goals targets, advance gender equality and strengthen health systems. #AWorldWhere is a Countdown 2030 Europe initiative driven by 15 leading European non-governmental organisations advocating for sexual and reproductive freedom worldwide. Illustration: Jessica Whitney Crowe
Civil Society Assessment of EU policies (2019-2023) advancing girls’ rights
As the European Commission leadership and European Parliament approach the end of their term, the European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG) is looking back at the past years to assess EU policy frameworks and regional partnerships and evaluate their contribution to promoting girls’ rights. The paper provides an overview of positive advancements, as well as shortcomings, and puts forward a set of recommendations on how to better advance girls’ rights in EU external action onwards.
#AWorldWhere global access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is a reality - campaign launch
Join us on Instagram on June 13 at 4pm CSET, to launch our new campaign #AWorldWhere together with Liana Abdikarimova, IPPF EN youth activist, MEP Alice Kuhnke and Bénédicte Joan, feminist activist from the Ivory Coast. We believe we are members of an interconnected society and what affects one of us, affects us all. Everyone in society has the right to live with dignity and we believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure we all do. During this event, our guests will share their reflections on how the world could look like if sexual and reproductive health and rights needs are met globally and what we need from European policy makers to achieve this. What can you expect? We will be talking about strengthening healthcare systems, achieving gender equality, combatting gender-based violence and how our communities can change for the better if we work together to redesign systems so that they work for everyone. Join our Instagram Live and follow @C2030Europe for updates! This is the first of a series of events under the umbrella of the #AWorldWhere campaign aiming to drive Europe’s global commitments on sexual and reproductive health and rights, to meet Sustainable Development Goals targets, advance gender equality and strengthen health systems. #AWorldWhere is a Countdown 2030 Europe initiative driven by 15 leading European non-governmental organisations advocating for sexual and reproductive freedom worldwide.
For an inclusive feminist Europe: recommendations for the EU election campaign
The European Union (EU) is facing many obstacles in upholding its core values. Challenges such as the COVID pandemic, the Russian war against Ukraine, and the climate crisis have created unprecedented uncertainty around our common future, and have increased existing inequalities, particularly for women and girls in all their diversity. The rise of authoritarian regimes and populist movements has led to growing opposition against EU values such as: the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and equality, including a backlash against gender equality and women’s rights. Ahead of the pivotal moment that are the European elections, political parties must take a bold stand in the defence of EU values. The EU should actively tackle intersecting systems of oppression such as patriarchy, racism, neo-colonialism, and neo-liberalism. It should strive towards a world where everyone can enjoy the same rights, and lead free and safe private and family lives, free from sexism, coercion, and violence. We call on European political parties to put inclusive feminism at the heart of their electoral programmes, and to commit to further advancing gender equality and women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in the EU and beyond. Read below our recommendations on how we can create together an inclusive feminist Europe that promotes gender equality, women’s human rights and SRHR in all fields; that puts an end to sexual and gender-based violence; and that counters the threats against its values.
New data on European donor support to sexual & reproductive health & rights worldwide
Now is when standing by our values matters most. We must treat all people with dignity and humanity, not despite, but because we are faced with multiple crises caused by war, inflation, and a hard post-pandemic recovery. In 2021, European countries struggled to keep their promises to uphold sexual and reproductive freedom for all. They managed to maintain their overall support to sexual and reproductive health & rights worldwide by investing 2.780 billion euros. This includes 1.385 billion euros allocated to sexual health and family planning, which means at least 10.5 million women and couples had access to contraceptive care. But much more is needed. More investment and better policies around sexual and reproductive health will have a profound impact on people’s futures. It will give options to those of us without them. Which in turn will lead more people to thrive, thus creating safer, more just and prosperous communities. We have a shared moral responsibility to respond to global challenges in an equitable manner. In our most recent report, we are looking at 2021 funding data and 2022 political stances adopted by thirteen European governments and the EU institutions with regards to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Watch our video to get an overview of the findings and download the below resources for more information.
What you need to know about Spain's reform of the SRHR law
Spain has introduced new legislation allowing gender self-determination, banning conversion therapy, introducing menstrual leave and easing abortion limits. Here’s what you need to know: Anyone aged 16+ can change their gender on official documents without medical supervision Conversion therapy, in any form, intended to change a person's sexual orientation or identity or gender expression is banned New abortion legislation makes it easier for women to access medical or surgical abortions in public hospitals and clinics Arbitrary and medically unnecessary three-day waiting period before accessing abortion care is suppressed Denial of abortion care based on personal beliefs will now become more transparent due to a new registry that takes stock of medical professionals in the public health system who refuse to perform abortions The previous requirement for women aged 16 and 17 to obtain parental consent for abortions is scrapped, along with the 3-day period of reflection and the obligation to provide information on maternity benefits for those seeking abortion care Up to 5 days of menstrual leave for people with painful periods - thus Spain becomes the first country in Europe to introduce menstrual leave Provision of free sanitary products in schools, prisons and women’s centers and free hormonal contraceptives and the morning after pill at state-run health centers Paid leave before childbirth additional to the maternity leave, from the 39th week until the moment of birth Compulsory comprehensive sexual education at all stages of education, reinforcing previous regulations. The bill on sexual and reproductive health and abortion care recognizes rights that were already in the 2010 Spanish law and had subsequently been restricted, and includes new measures that entail the normalization of important aspects of sexual and reproductive health.
Now is when standing by our values matters the most
We have a fundamental moral responsibility to look out for one another and treat people across the globe with dignity and humanity. That starts with sexual and reproductive health and rights. Sweden, Spain and Belgium’s upcoming presidencies of the Council of the EU come at the right time to make a real difference to people’s lives. These strong advocates of equality can take the EU project forward by pushing for a sound and courageous political agenda that includes gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). SRHR, like democracy and our human rights and freedoms, should never be taken for granted, as exemplified by painful setbacks in several countries such as the US and Poland in past years. 2022 has seen several crises continue or upfold, often putting at risk our values and our rights, including SRHR. According to recent data: no country, in Europe or worldwide has achieved gender equality, whether in economics, politics, education, health, or the fight against gender-based violence. Likewise, SRHR are far from being realized in the EU and in the world. Quite the contrary. In 2022, SRHR have been severely undermined and challenged due to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the overturn of Roe v. Wade among other factors. A wide range of legal, policy, practical, economic, social, and cultural barriers still undermine access to SRHR. We are now at a crossroads moment The upcoming Council of the EU presidencies, Sweden, Spain and Belgium can have a critical impact on upholding gender equality and women and girls’ rights. But there is no time to lose. We need to put SRHR at the top of the agenda if we are to build a Europe and a world where gender equality and human rights are realised. The respect of SRHR is a sign of how healthy a democracy really is. As we’ve seen in some European countries (like Poland and Hungary) as well as outside of the EU, attacks on women’s rights, including SRHR, are a harbinger of a crumbling democracy and a weakening of the rule of law. How we treat women and girls meets our collective responsibility to continuously create and maintain the conditions for international peace and freedom and informs human interactions more broadly. SRHR are also prerequisite to break down harmful gender norms and stereotypes, to achieve equal political and civic participation and economic empowerment in Europe and in the world. Access to SRHR gives women and girls and everyone the possibility to make autonomous and informed decisions about their own bodies and sexuality. It is a tool to address unequal power relations and challenge gender norms and stereotypes which hinder gender equality. Policy-makers need to realize that SRHR have the potential to give people more opportunities and choices about their lives and enable them to grow and thrive. We have to do better The rise of authoritarianism, coercive and misogynistic movements in Europe and the world have been threatening gender equality, women’s rights, LGBTI+ rights and reproductive freedom, and the broader European values of human rights, liberal democracy, and the rule of law. At the end of 2022, Hungary took over the Secretariat of the Geneva Consensus, a declaration that claims that there is no international right to abortion and which was signed by more than 30 countries including Poland. In a few months, in 2024, Hungary will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Seeing their track record on gender issues, and their unwillingness to step down from it, we need to act now. That is why, to answer the to the current threat to SRHR and democracy, upcoming Presidencies of the Council of the EU should pursue their commitments towards gender equality and respect for SRHR and go further by: Showing a strong political leadership for gender equality and SRHR by adopting an EU-wide feminist foreign policy and mainstreaming gender equality and SRHR in all EU relevant policy-making. Ensuring gender equality and SRHR are non-negotiable values in our democracies and condemn any retrogressive initiatives in the EU and partner countries. This is essential to counter the opposition in the Council. Working with and supporting civil society organizations which are working closely with local communities is crucial to leave no one behind. As a society, we believe it’s only right that everyone is treated with dignity and has the freedom to take decision over their bodies and health. If we are to live up to our values, we need to put SRHR at the heart of policy making so that all of us can thrive and grow. Read our factsheet with our asks for the Swedish Presidency and the upcoming Spanish and Belgian ones. Words by Diane Tardy, IPPF EN