Region’s civil society organizations join forces to build peaceful societies free from violence, stigma, and stereotypes

The second consultation in a series of subregional meetings preparing for the UNECE Regional Review Meeting in Geneva on October 21-22, 2024, took place on June 25. During this event, 130 civil society representatives joined forces to gather insights and recommendations that will inform the regional review process ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), the most progressive blueprint for advancing women’s rights, which will be commemorated in 2025. 

Organized by the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) and the Beijing+30 Civil Society Steering Committee, the consultation focused on two key themes of the BPfA: ‘Freedom from violence, stigma, and stereotypes’; and ‘Peaceful and inclusive societies’.

Aslihan Tekin, moderator of the event, eco-feminist, Turkish Federation of Women's Associations volunteer, and representative of Women’s Coalition and European Women's Lobby Türkiye, mentioned that Beijing+30 review processes occur every five years. “For this consultation, covering the last five years, we want to highlight and think about what has been at the forefront, what we have been tackling as civil society organizations and women's organizations, concentrating on gender equality,” underscored Aslihan Tekin. 

The consultation kick-started with a session aimed at contextualizing the 30th anniversary in the region’s efforts to achieve gender equality. “For many years, in many countries across our region, we have faced numerous challenges related to women's involvement in the review process and their participation at different levels in political, socio-economic, cultural, and educational spheres. Now, it's crucial for civil society to have a stronger voice. We don't have another 30 years to wait,” stated Valentina Bodrug Lungu, President of Gender Centre, from Moldova. 

As the first session focused on freedom from violence, stigma, and stereotypes, Pille Tsopp-Pagan, representative of the NGO “Women’s Support Services” and a member of GREVIO from Estonia, mentioned that as member states have committed to taking actions to comply with the convention, the GREVIO report can be a valuable advocacy tool for local NGOs. Ms. Tsopp-Pagan shared a few ideas for civil society organizations to keep in mind when conducting advocacy in their countries. “First, ensure you know all legislative tools that may support your work in your state. Second, be aware of the relevant international tools. Third, identify and work with key local stakeholders who can help improve efforts to eliminate violence against women in your country. Fourth, look for domestic and international cooperation opportunities in your region. Finally, find passionate advocates who can stand beside you,” concluded Pille Tsopp-Pagan. 

Tamar Dekanosidze, a representative of “Equality Now” from Georgia, highlighted that despite recent improvements, stigma and stereotypes continue to influence how laws on violence against women and gender-based violence are defined and implemented, and how effectively survivors can access justice. “Firstly, in many countries across our region, not all forms of violence against women and gender-based violence are fully or effectively outlawed. Secondly, it's not enough to have good laws; they must be enforced free from stereotypes. Lastly, foreign agent laws recently introduced in Georgia and also in some other countries of the region hinder the activities of civil society organizations, including those focusing on violence against women. Urgent action is required to ensure that these organizations can provide support to access justice,” concluded Tamar Dekanosidze.

The consultation continued with guided discussions in breakout groups where civil society representatives outlined regional and country-specific challenges, such as the urgent need for stronger implementation of existing laws and policies to combat gender-based violence.  The following best practices and recommendations were highlighted to address these challenges: 

• Enhancing support for women's shelters and associations
• Improving data collection on violence and addressing the rise in online abuse
• Emphasizing intersectional approaches to support vulnerable groups such as refugees and women with disabilities
• Challenging persistent gender stereotypes in justice systems and society at large 

The second session of the consultation focused on peaceful and inclusive societies. Anna Nemsadze, a representative of the local NGO “Women's Information Center” from Georgia, stated that for every generation, peace means equity and living in a community where there is no war and equal opportunities are provided for everyone regardless of gender, religion, and culture. “We need educated people in politics today, and we need educated people in peacebuilding. Especially, we need educated women in politics where gender issues are not discussed as a joke or a tale. Women's gender sensitivity is different when it comes to decision making, and even in mediation and peacebuilding,” pointed out Anna Nemsadze.

As a result of the breakout groups, participants highlighted the crucial need to develop strategies to counter growing anti-gender movements and hate speech while promoting inclusive education and peace-oriented terminology in public discourse. Their recommendations included: 

• Increasing women's meaningful participation in peace processes, decision-making, and politics
• Creating platforms for sharing experiences and fostering intergenerational dialogues
• Implementing sustainable peace-building programs and increasing financial support for local organizations 

As an immediate follow-up to the second consultation, civil society representatives were asked to share their insights via an online survey to contribute to shaping future initiatives that empower women and promote lasting progress towards gender equality in the region. “These consultations complement and seek synergies with ongoing civil society consultations in the region and beyond as we approach the Beijing+30 anniversary,” concluded Yolanda Iriarte, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Specialist at UN Women ECARO.