1.
Feminist perspective
In
considering the issue of violence against women, the EWL firmly adopts a
feminist perspective. Violence against women is, thus, seen as a structural
phenomenon the cause of which is a direct result of gender inequality. The EWL
adopts the definition of violence against women as stipulated in the Beijing
Platform for Action. Furthermore, it endorses the statement of the Beijing
Platform for Action: "violence against
women is a manifestation of the historically unequal power relations between men
an women which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by
men and to the prevention of women's full advancement. " (paragraph 118).
The persistence and tolerance of all forms of male violence against women is a
fundamental obstacle to the achievement of full equality between women and men
in all areas of life.
2.
Women’s
Rights are Human Rights
The EWL
believes in the fundamental principle of respect for Human
rights.
The EWL
believes that all forms of violence against women and girls in the private and
public sphere by state and non-state actors must be addressed and understood as
basic violations of human rights principles.
3.
The autonomy and the empowerment of women
The EWL
believes that the intervention of NGOs in the area of violence against women
should work to achieve the autonomy and the empowerment for all women. This goal
underpins all actions undertaken by the EWL to combat violence against women.
4.
Prostitution and Trafficking in
women
In
relation to prostitution and trafficking in women, the EWL believes
that:
·
Prostitution
and trafficking in women constitute a fundamental violation of women’s human
rights.
·
Prostitution
and trafficking in women should not be associated with the terms “forced” or
“free”.
·
It
should be recognised that “free choice” is a relative factor, situated at the
intersection of economic, social, cultural and political options of women in a
given society. Inequality severely restricts freedom of choice.
5.
Recognition of
diversity
The EWL believes that differences among women must be taken into account when dealing with issues of violence against women. Women can be affected by violence in a different way in relation to their diversity. NGOs working in the field of violence against women should develop strategies to ensure the inclusion of women marginalised because of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, belief or religion.
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