The Council of Europe is working for equal rights and opportunities of women and men. Still in many areas women are facing discrimination. Full and equal participation of women in political and public life at all levels are still in most of the countries below the minimum target of 40%. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexist behavior. Sexism constitutes a barrier to their empowerment. Women, especially some groups of women such as victims of gender-based violence, ethnic minority women and women with disabilities, are facing obstacles to access to justice. One of the most severe forms of violation of women’s rights is violence against women. The CoE Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) provides a comprehensive framework to tackle this serious human right violation.
Council of Europe works to enhance women’s rights in Ukraine
Women hold placards at the International Women`s Day march for equal rights in Kyiv on March 8, 2018.
