Press and Publications

In the South Mediterranean region, there is little reliable information about the prevalence and trends in Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). However, some studies about the reality of women illustrate the magnitude of the problem and show alarming figures on VAWG. Advancing women’s rights and combating all forms of VAWG are priorities for Euro Mediterranean countries as stated in the 4th Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial Declaration on “Strengthening the Role of Women in Society” (Cairo, 2017) and States are responsible for enacting and implementing laws and public policies to combat VAWG and ensure achieving gender equality.

This brief discusses the critical public services available to women who have been victims of violence. It is based on the findings of a regional research done by the Regional Civil Society Observatory (RCSO) in 2020, which focused on women's perceptions and awareness of victim services. The brief also relies on the 2020 Regional Index on VAWG. It illustrates the state of health, police, and justice services, as well as social services, considering best practices and international accords, particularly the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention). The brief first draws upon the standards for service provision and how essential services should be provided. Additionally, it discusses the state of the services in the countries observed (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia) and offers policy recommendations to enhance them.

This brief deals with governmental preventive programs that are meant to change the gender stereotypes, people’s awareness towards VAWG and towards blaming perpetrators. For combating Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), interventions fall along a spectrum of prevention and response. While VAWG response efforts typically focus on securing services, resources, and support for women victims of VAWG, prevention interventions focus on transforming the power dynamics and gender inequality leading to VAWG.

This study brief is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of VAWG among stakeholders, including policy makers, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the general public including women themselves. It aims to highlight ways to effectively improve women’s right to a life free of all forms of violence.

The second in the ABC series; and following up on the first handbook “ABC for a Gender Sensitive Constitution”, this ABC aims to bring insight, raise awareness, and stimulate debate on the need to mainstream gender perspective in law making and enhance democracy. It strives to be a tool of change and a trusted reference for lawyers, students, human rights activists, and civil society.

Between December 2019 and November 2020, the RCSO conducted its first regional study on “Violence Against Women and Girls in the South Mediterranean”, focusing on the seven countries in the regional program: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. The study is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of VAWG among stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the general public including women themselves. It aims to highlight effective approaches which help to realize women’s right to a life free from violence. The study looked at three main areas: 1\. Characteristics of VAWG, using data reflecting women’s own experiences and attitudes. 2\. Efficiency of existing legal frameworks and public policies to counteract VAWG. 3\. Awareness of relevant national and international instruments, including the UfM Ministerial Declaration.