News from the European Women's Lobby

NCW has been following amendments in the EU Constitution on gender issues and has submitted proposals to our national representatives in the EU, and MEPs and other key people in the EU institutions.

We note with satisfaction the inclusion of terms in Part I and II that give legal strength to gender equality and non-discrimination. The following are proposals by the European Women's Lobby for amendments to Part III of the Constitution currently under discussion.

The European Women's Lobby (EWL) considers it essential for the constitutional treaty to include a legal basis to protect all European citizens from interpersonal violence, in particular against women. EWL, representing thousands of women across the European Union, asks you to put forward this amendment for Part III of the draft Constitutional Treaty.

Article 111-174 (ex Article 152) Amendment

1. A high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all the Union's policies and activities.

Action by the Union, which shall complement national policies, shall be directed towards improving public health, preventing human illness and diseases, and obviating sources of danger to human health.

Such action shall cover the fight against the major health scourges, including inter-personal violence and in particular violence against women, by promoting research into their causes, their transmission and their prevention, as well as health information and education.

Violence is a leading worldwide public health problem. The prevention of violence is a prerequisite of human security and dignity.

EU action is urgently needed to prevent all forms of violence, in particular violence against women, to protect women's human rights, and reduce the consequences for the health of women, men and children, and for socio-economic development.

The 'World Report on Violence and Health' (2002) states: "Violence is among the leading causes of death worldwide for people aged 15-44. Violence (against women) can be prevented and its impact reduced, in the same way that public health efforts have prevented and reduced pregnancy-related complications, workplace injuries, infectious diseases, and illness resulting from contaminated food and water in many parts of the world."