Enhancing EU Action to Support Universal Standards for Women’s Rights During Democratic Transitions - The Case of Democratic Transition in the MENA Region

This study is devoted to providing an analysis of the policy initiatives and recent research while also assessing the possibilities for entry points relevant to the enhancement of EU action to support universal standards for promoting women’s rights in the context of democratic transitions. The authors share the view that women’s rights will be the litmus test of a successful democratic transition. They explore and analyse the gender dimension in the context of democratic transition processes, with a special focus on current sociopolitical changes taking place in the MENA region. This is done with special attention to women’s political participation to show the importance of gender-responsive legislation, constitutions and accountability systems. In this regard transitional violence against women is treated as a cross cutting issue affecting women in the region and preventing them from enjoying their rights in all areas of public life and from influencing the political agendas. This study explores the initiatives taken so far on women’s rights by international organisations and the authors attempt to map EU instruments and entry points for further action. Finally, the study provides a list of pragmatic recommendations to the EU as an external promoter of democracy and gender equality.