Taking Prevention Seriously

The Istanbul Convention provides a comprehensive framework for combating violence against women. Its four pillars – Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Coordinated Policies – define governments’ responsibilities while recognising the essential role of civil society in achieving its objectives. Women need protection and access to justice. Perpetrators must be held accountable. Institutions must cooperate effectively.

But how can we prevent violence from happening in the first place?

The Convention gives us a clear direction. Its prevention provisions address attitudes, prejudices and unequal power relations. They call for awareness-raising, education, professional training, the involvement of men and boys, and programmes to prevent perpetrators from reoffending.

At the heart of prevention lies a fundamental issue: gender stereotyping.

Stereotypes shape expectations about women’s and men’s roles, behaviour and authority. They reinforce inequality and can normalise control and discrimination. Challenging these deeply rooted attitudes is therefore essential if we want to prevent violence before it begins.

Our READ THE SIGNS campaign addresses prevention from two perspectives. The Violence Meter helps women and those around them recognise early warning signs of abuse, including isolation, intimidation and controlling behaviour.

At the same time, we place particular emphasis on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention’s prevention provisions. Are governments taking effective steps to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality? What is happening in schools and professional training? And where is further action needed?

The group of Istanbul Convention Promoters (ICPs) plays an important role. Through SIE’s long-standing Istanbul Convention Initiative, they have developed expertise in the Convention and GREVIO monitoring reports. They support their Unions and clubs with country-specific information and help turn the Convention’s provisions into opportunities for advocacy.

I encourage our Clubs to draw on this expertise and our Unions to support their ICPs.

Our projects can make a meaningful contribution to achieving the objectives of the Istanbul Convention, particularly by challenging gender stereotypes, promoting equality and strengthening prevention in our communities. This is fully in line with SIE’s Strategy 2026–2031, which calls for lasting structural change in society to improve the lives and opportunities of women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism offer an opportunity to engage schools, communities and decision-makers. The relationships and initiatives developed during the campaign can provide an excellent foundation for continued engagement throughout the year.

With our Federation-wide network, the expertise of our Istanbul Convention Promoters and the commitment of our clubs and Unions, we are well placed to make a difference in preventing violence against women and girls.

I wish you all a successful and impactful Read the Signs campaign!