Understanding EU policies for people with disabilities
The EU and its Member States have signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and use its definition of disability as a common reference at EU level.
Gender Issues
Elimination of violence against women: Two years since the EU ratified the Istanbul Convention
On 25 November each year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women seeks to raise awareness globally about this serious social issue.
Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation
Numerous women active in politics at all levels of governance in the EU face various forms of abuse, intimidation, threats and even assaults in their everyday work.
Children’s rights in the EU in the light of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
In 1954, the UN recommended that all countries establish a national day to promote children’s rights and welfare, and made 20 November Universal Children’s Day.
European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse
The European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, an initiative of the Council of Europe, is observed every 18 November to highlight the importance of preventing child sexual exploitation and abuse.
VAT policy and menstrual poverty in the EU
As many women and girls continue to face barriers in accessing affordable menstrual products, menstrual poverty remains a significant socioeconomic issue.
EU contribution to the fight against child poverty
It is now 33 years since the United Nations (UN) established the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
International Safe Abortion Day
International Safe Abortion Day, observed annually on 28 September, draws attention to global disparities in access to safe and legal abortion.
Maternity leave and voting procedures in the European Parliament and EU national parliaments
Members of the European Parliament are entrusted with a number of rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote. However, illness, serious family-related circumstances, pregnancy and postnatal recovery may prevent Members from attending plenary sessions and prevent them from exercising their voting rights.
International Equal Pay Day
The gender pay gap persists globally and in the European Union, and progress in reducing it is slow. To accelerate the realisation of the principle of ‘equal pay for work of equal value’, the United Nations marked the first International Day for Equal Pay on 18 September 2020. This year marks its sixth edition.