European Women's Lobby

The European Women's Lobby (EWL) is the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in the European Union (EU), working to promote women’s rights and equality between women and men. EWL membership extends to organisations in all 27 EU member states and the three candidate countries, as well as to 21 European-wide bodies, representing a total of more than 2500 organisations.

50 MEPs sign for parity in upcoming legislature — 21 November 2012, 17:14 CET

Today, more than 50 Members of the European Parliament from five political groups and from all over the EU have signed the 50/50 declaration, calling on Member States, European political parties and the European Institutions to take action in order to achieve gender balance in European decision making.

Women on boards: A first step towards meritocracy — 14 November 2012, 18:13 CET

European Women's Lobby welcomes Commission's legislative proposal for greater gender balance on boards of administration and calls on EU legislators to strengthen text

Directive on Right to Family Reunification must not be reopened — 10 November 2011, 12:08 CET

At a public hearing today in the European Parliament, European women’s associations are expected to take a strong stand against any potential renegotiation of European legislation concerning family reunification, which they fear will be to the detriment of migrant women, and to call on the member states to improve access and integration measures.

ECJ ruling against sex discrimination in insurances key victory for women's rights, say civil society organisations — 02 March 2011, 16:50 CET

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) yesterday delivered its ruling in the Test-Achats case (C-236/09) concerning sex discrimination in insurance premiums. The EU’s highest Court ruled that different insurance premiums for women and men are not compatible with the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Maternity rights: European Parliament votes for more equality between women and men and a more sustainable future! — 20 October 2010, 19:34 CET

The European Parliament today by a large majority passed a Resolution in favour of substantially increasing European minimum standards for maternity and paternity leave provisions. In what supporters are lauding a great victory for the women and men living in Europe, the Parliament approved an increase of maternity leave provisions from 14 weeks to 20 weeks and the introduction of two weeks leave for new fathers, both fully paid.

New EU Strategy for gender equality has potential to deliver results, says European Women's Lobby — 23 September 2010, 12:53 CET

The European Women’s Lobby (EWL), the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in the European Union, has welcomed the launch of the EU’s much anticipated new five year strategy for equality between women and men.