Moldova criminalizes digital violence: Landmark law protects women from stalking and online abuse
Laws are not just about punishing perpetrators – they are also a powerful tool for changing mindsets. Read how Moldova is leading the way to tackle digital violence. Learn more
Explainer: How can we protect girls and young women from digital violence?
Digital violence takes many forms and has serious consequences for girls’ mental health and well-being. Here are some key steps forward to protect them. Learn more
For All Women and Girls: Lawyer Tatiana Vicol-Felișcan
In this interview, Lawyer Tatiana Vicol-Felișcan talks about breaking the circle of violence to live a life of dignity, without fear. Learn more
Steering Uzbekistan toward gender equality one bus ride at a time
Saodat Shermatova is not just a bus driver; she is a pioneer. With every kilometer she drives, she is changing perceptions and proving that gender should never be a barrier to opportunity. Learn more
Sonja Licht on leading the march for peace:
“Women must not only be present at the table – they must be the building blocks of the process.” Learn more
Highlights
Image
In Focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
In Focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Online and digital spaces should empower women and girls. Yet every day, for millions of women and girls, the digital world has become a minefield of harassment, abuse, and control. In Europe and Central Asia, over half of women who are online have been subjected to digital violence. This 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December) join us as we rally for a world where technology is a force for equality – not harm.

Image
Women Lead Peace Follows Hero
In Focus: Women Lead Peace Follows

Every policy, decision, and action taken under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 has contributed to building a more inclusive and peaceful world — anchored in women's leadership. Yet, the path to lasting change and peace is long, and our commitment must be stronger than ever.

Image
ECARO 15 Years Cover
In Focus: UN Women Turns 15

Discover how UN Women has been supercharging fifteen years of transformative impact in UN Women in Europe and Central Asia.

Image
ECARO - IWD2025 - Banner
In Focus: For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

Thirty years ago, world leaders made a promise at the Fourth World Conference on Women – equal rights, opportunities, power, and safety for women and girls everywhere. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action enshrines that promise.

Image
Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2025 KV
Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2025

Launched in 2021, the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO is a unique partnership platform to promote women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the Europe and Central Asia region. EXPO provides an interactive space for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector representatives for collaboration, ideas generation, capacity building and business development.

Image
On 8 July 2024 in Kyiv, fire and rescue service workers, hospital staff and volunteers clear rubble and search for people trapped under debris after an attack that hit Okhmatdyt hospital, Ukraine's largest children's medical centre. Photo: UNICEF/UNI608590/Filippov
Three years into the full-scale war, Ukrainian women lead humanitarian aid and economic resilience

Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian women continue to bear the brunt of the war. With over 1.8 million internally displaced and almost 6.7 million requiring humanitarian assistance, the war in Ukraine is one of the most profound humanitarian crises of our time. Yet, amid destruction and displacement, Ukraine's women are stepping up as first responders, civil society leaders, and entrepreneurs at the forefront of humanitarian response, economic recovery, and social cohesion.

Statement
Image
UNETE

UNiTE to end digital violence against all women and girls

Joint statement and call to action to end digital violence against all women and girls, on the occasion of the official commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November 2025, UN headquarters.  Read more ►

Press Release
Image
In Focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

16 Days of Activism campaign demands a world where technology is a force for equality – not harm

Digital violence is intensifying, yet nearly half of the world’s women and girls lack legal protection from digital abuse. In Europe and Central Asia, over half of women who are online have been subjected to digital violence. This year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign calls for urgent global action to close legal gaps and hold perpetrators and tech platforms accountable. Read more ►

Image
Belén Sanz Luque, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia

Regional Director, Belén Sanz Luque

Belén Sanz Luque is the Regional Director for UN Women Europe and Central Asia. Previously, Belén Sanz served as UN Women Country Representative for Mexico (2017-2024) and Colombia (2013 - 2017). Full bio ►