International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (Nov. 25, 2024)

Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, France reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of violence against women so that their dignity, integrity and autonomy are respected, just like those of men are respected. In addition, France will be hosting the next edition of the Feminist Foreign Policy Conference in Paris in order to boost international efforts to promote equality and combat all forms of violence against women.

This Monday evening, in an effort to recall and underscore its steadfast commitments throughout the year, the Quai d’Orsay will be lit up in orange, the color symbolizing the fight against violence against women and girls.

Combating all forms of violence against women and girls

France supports the universalization of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

As of November 25, 2024, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by violence. They are the primary victims in conflicts in many regions, especially in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Myanmar, and other regions across the globe. In Afghanistan, they have been subjected to violence and an intolerable policy of segregation by the Taliban ever since they seized power by force over three years ago.

Combating violence against women and girls also means combating impunity for the perpetrators. That is the goal of the UN Women, Peace and Security Agenda, which France fully supports through its National Action Plan, which includes a pillar on protecting women and girls in conflicts.

Promoting women’s autonomy and fighting for their freedoms

Similarly, France supports feminist organizations that work directly with people, in particular in French-speaking Africa, to implement empowerment and resilience projects through the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations, an essential tool in France’s feminist diplomacy, which committed €194 million between 2020 and 2023.

Ending violence against women also means ensuring that they have control over their bodies. Furthermore, on March 8, 2024, France enshrined the right to abortion in its Constitution so that no backsliding will be possible.

Taking the fight to the digital environment

Because action must be taken in the digital environment as well, France and the Netherlands put forth a resolution at the UN General Assembly that aims to combat online threats, such as cyberharassment and deepfakes, and to develop education and training on the digital issues. In 2025, the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris will focus on the relationship between women and digital issues and will increase their representation in all decision-making systems, as stipulated by the CEDAW Committee general recommendation No. 40.

The Ministry in action

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also shares these priorities as an employer by instituting internal trainings to reinforce prevention and support efforts for its staff, both in France and abroad.