Violence against women in politics
26.9.2016
Question for written answer E-007084-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (ALDE)
Human rights, and in particular women’s rights, continue to be violated or denied on a massive scale around the world. It is therefore not surprising that the UN should adopt gender equality (the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls) as a sustainable development goal which will transform the world. According to the UN, gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but one of the necessary foundations of a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. It is important to note that women and girls are advancing towards equality and claiming their right to take part in politics. Nevertheless, in many parts of the world, politically active women and girls still experience discrimination, harassment or assault. Within the last six months, the world has witnessed the horrific murder of a number of women killed for their political convictions and, ultimately, gender, including Jo Cox, a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom House of Commons, and Hafsa Mossi, a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly from Burundi.
1. What actions will the Commission take to prevent and eliminate violence against politically active women?
2. What steps will the Commission take to protect women’s rights and gender equality around the world?