ASSEDEL spoke with Anna Strolenberg, Member of the European Parliament, about some of the most pressing challenges facing gender equality in Europe today. The interview explores the effectiveness of international frameworks such as the Istanbul Convention, the fight against gender-based violence, and the need to integrate a gender perspective into European climate and agricultural policies.
Strengthening the Istanbul Convention and accountability
Strolenberg underlined the importance of the Istanbul Convention as one of the few binding international mechanisms to combat violence against women. While most EU countries have ratified it, she stressed that gaps remain, with several countries still outside the framework.
She highlighted the need for stronger enforcement, calling on the European Parliament to hold the European Commission accountable in ensuring that member states adopt and implement adequate legislation. Without clear legal definitions and protections, she warned, the Convention cannot reach its full potential in preventing and addressing violence.
Addressing gender-based violence: prevention and protection
According to Strolenberg, tackling gender-based violence requires a comprehensive and long-term approach. Education plays a central role, particularly in addressing harmful norms among young men and boys. She emphasised that prevention must begin early, with schools acting as key spaces for awareness and cultural change.
At the same time, she pointed to structural shortcomings in victim protection, especially the lack of sufficient shelters for women fleeing abusive situations. The EU, she argued, should increase financial support to member states to expand these services.
She also warned about the growing impact of online violence, noting its direct link to offline harm. Cyberbullying and harassment can escalate into stalking and physical violence, making digital spaces an increasingly important frontier in the fight against gender-based violence.
Gender equality in climate policy
Turning to climate change, Strolenberg highlighted that women are disproportionately affected by environmental crises, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making. She pointed out that women often make up only around 30% of participants in climate policy discussions.
For her, meaningful gender integration begins with representation: women must be present “at the table.” She also defended the importance of gender mainstreaming across EU policies, warning of a growing political backlash—particularly from conservative and far-right actors—against both the concept and its funding. Ensuring that climate policies include targeted resources for women, especially those in vulnerable situations, is key to achieving a truly just green transition.
Towards a more feminist and inclusive European Union
Strolenberg openly supported a more feminist approach to EU policymaking, framing feminism as a commitment to equality for all. She argued that gender perspectives should not be confined to isolated policy areas but integrated across sectors, including migration, agriculture, and environmental policy. In her view, the current lack of equality across Europe makes this shift not only desirable but necessary.
Supporting women in agriculture and rural areas
Addressing rural inequalities, Strolenberg shed light on the often-overlooked role of women in agriculture. She noted that structural barriers—such as limited access to land and funding—continue to disadvantage women farmers. Traditional inheritance patterns, where farms are typically passed from father to son, further reinforce these inequalities.
She advocated for a reform of EU agricultural funding, suggesting a move away from subsidies based primarily on land size. Instead, she proposed supporting smaller, more diverse and sustainable farms—an approach that would indirectly benefit women, who are more likely to run such operations. By aligning agricultural policy with sustainability goals, she argued, the EU can simultaneously promote gender equality and climate resilience.
ASSEDEL, basé à Strasbourg et engagé dans la promotion des droits de l'homme et des valeurs européennes, continue de suivre et d'éclairer les évolutions qui façonnent l'avenir de la démocratie européenne et des relations internationales.
Regardez l'interview complète sur notre chaîne YouTube ! YouTube channel!