The first EU law declaring war on violence against women has been adopted: internet stalking and bullying, the distribution of intimate or manipulated images and incitement to hatred or violence against women will now become criminal offenses for the first time across the EU.
The directive provides for measures to prevent rape and improve access to justice, as well as protection and prevention for those affected. The law also includes a ban on forced marriage and female genital mutilation. In the future, harsher penalties will be imposed for crimes against public figures, journalists and human rights defenders.
“This is a seminal moment for women’s empowerment. True equality can only be achieved when women can live without fear of harassment, violence or attack. This law is an important step towards achieving this,” said the current representative of the Presidency and Belgian State Secretary for Gender Equality, Marie-Colline Leroy.
Three years remain for its implementation into national law
The scheme was approved by the Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs during their council meeting on Tuesday. Having already been approved by Parliament, it will enter into force after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member States then have three years to transpose these into national law.
Economic empowerment of women
The agenda of the council meeting also includes conclusions on women’s economic empowerment and financial independence, as well as a fundamental debate on the topic of women in public life. The conclusions call for actions such as closing the gender pay gap, supporting victims of gender-based violence and improving the availability of data on women’s financial independence.
Source: Krone
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