A day before the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the European Parliament has taken a firm and urgent tone. On 24 November, lawmakers announced a major debate to discuss how Europe can better protect women from the rising wave of gender-based violence , much of it now happening in digital spaces as well as in homes, workplaces, and public life.
The mood within the Parliament is said to be serious and reflective, as reports from across the EU show that existing laws, while present, are unevenly implemented and often fail women when they need them the most. Many MEPs are pushing to classify violence against women as a major cross-border crime, arguing that no woman’s safety should depend on her postal code.
Another strong demand is the official recognition of femicide , the murder of a woman because of her gender , as a separate criminal category so that the scale of the problem is neither hidden nor underestimated.
To mark the global campaign, the European Parliament building in Strasbourg will glow in a bright orange light on 25 November, symbolising solidarity with women and girls everywhere. This year, more than ever, the call is not just for awareness but for concrete action and a unified legal framework that protects women across the continent.
