About the campaign
We want to put an end to all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the Southern Mediterranean region. We want to help build a safe and just future for all. This campaign takes VAWG out of the private sphere and supports the changing of public attitudes.
It encourages all members of society to stand up against violence, demand adoption of comprehensive legislation that criminalizes all forms of violence, implement such legislation when available, and counteract social tolerance, impunity for perpetrators, and victim-blaming.
Why we need this campaign
80%
of Moroccan women declare not to have the same right of movement in the public space as men.
31%
of Egyptian women reported having been insulted in public spaces and transport at least once in the past 12 months.
13%
of Lebanese women have been forced to perform sexual contact/acts against their will at least once in their lifetime.
24%
of Tunisian women declare to encounter exclusion from control over expenses or income.
79%
of Palestinian women declare that violence is increasing in their community.
91%
of Algerian women declare that shame and fear of consequences are barriers that hinder women from reporting violence.
7%
of Jordanian women declare that victims of VAWG seek the help of the police.
Share your story
You do not have to suffer in silence share your story today to help combat violence against women and girls.
Join the DiscussionAnonymous unknown country
I am 23 years old divorced woman, and I have a 6-year-old daughter. I got divorced due to the violence I was subjected to by my husband and his mother. I suffered a lot, and I endured the pressure for the sake of my daughter, but I could not tolerate the physical and verbal abuse any longer. My daughter and I don’t have any place to go and my husband does not pay the alimony. Now I live in a small room, I do not have money for the rent and I do not have a family. I need help and I don't know where to go.
Anonymous unknown country
I am a 36-year-old orphan. I work in a bakery and live in a small house. My neighbour, who is a drug dealer and has a criminal record, is abusing me physically, emotionally and mentally. In the current circumstances, I can’t move house as I can’t afford to live elsewhere. Besides, this is the place where my parents put me before they passed away. When I call the police they do not respond. What do I do? I think of suicide day and night
Anonymous From Lebanon
My children live with their father, and he does not care about them. Due to the quarantine, I cannot see them. I want them to live with me, but my father does not agree. The quarantine may end, but what about my quarantine as a divorced woman.
Anonymous unknown country
I don't know if the quarantine changes people to a point where you feel that you no longer know them. My husband was a quiet person, but he turned into a ruthless monster since the beginning of the quarantine, and he started beating me taking advantage that I am a refugee and I have nowhere to go. I know that violence cannot be justified but I had to give him a second chance. Then he beat me in front of my children. My daughter could not stand it and managed to escape and inform the neighbors .... but he did not stop or be ashamed and continued hitting me in front of them. I gave him so many chances, but he continued abusing and attacking me until he deprived me of my children and took them away leaving me alone with pain and oppression.
Latest News & Updates
First Mediterranean Feminist Forum 3rd May 2024, Arab World Institute, Paris
Posted on 03/09/24
EuroMed Feminist Initiative organized the inaugural Mediterranean Feminist Forum on May 3, 2024, at the Arab World Institute in Paris, in partnership with the French…
Learn More
10 May: European Parliament backs the EU accession to the Istanbul Convention
Posted on 10/05/23
EuroMed Feminist Initiative (EFI) welcomes the massive vote of the European Parliament’s members, on 10 May, accession to the Istanbul Convention, which recognises violence against…
Learn More
Egypt increased the penalties female genital mutilation (FGM), to be from 5 to 20 years in prison
Posted on 20/01/21
A statement by the Egyptian Cabinet said that it approved a draft law amending some provisions of the Penal Code promulgated by Law No. 58 of 1937, to establish a deterrent punishment for crimes of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Learn More
Recommendations of the Civil Society Consultations on Developing Guidelines for Implementation of Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Posted on 01/06/20
As part of the Regional Campaign on Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls, funded by the European Union. Arab Women Organization and EuroMed Feminist Initiative held a National Consultation on Developing Regional Guidelines for Women, Peace and Security Agenda on November 13 in Amman, Jordan under the patronage of H.E. Ms. Basma Ishaqat, Minister of Social Development. The consultation aimed at fostering a common understanding of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and developing guidelines for the implementation of the agenda on national and regional levels.
Learn More
Regional Forum on Combating Discrimination in Legislation, Tunis
Posted on 11/12/19
One hundred and fifty-four participants from eighty-seven civil society organisations, together with decision makers, ministerial representatives, legal and gender experts, as well as media from twelve countries from the South Mediterranean gathered on 10-11 December in Tunis for the Regional Forum on Combating Discrimination in Legislation held in the frame of the Regional Campaign on Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls, funded by the European Union.
Learn More