Yet international conventions can sometimes feel far removed from everyday action. In Norway, the Soroptimists decided to bridge that gap by turning the Convention into a practical tool for awareness, prevention and lobbying.
Through their 2025 project, And now Norway? – Istanbul Convention at work, the Soroptimists of Norway set out to strengthen understanding of the Convention across the Union, encourage Clubs to engage with its four pillars (prevention, protection, prosecution and coordinated policies) and bring its message to a wider public.
Prevention begins with awareness and understanding. Throughout the year, information about the Istanbul Convention was regularly shared through the Union’s digital magazine and social media, helping members better understand what the Convention means and how they can contribute at local level. An open webinar extended the conversation to a wider audience and brought additional expertise to discussions on preventing violence against women.
The initiative also looked beyond awareness-raising. By establishing connections with researchers, specialists and the Norwegian Ministry of Justice’s crime prevention unit, the Soroptimists created opportunities for dialogue and lobbying around the implementation of the Convention in Norway. Links with expertise on its monitoring process also opened the way for further engagement around Norway’s progress and future evaluation.
The project reached an estimated 1,500 people, including Soroptimists across Norway and a wider audience through social media. But perhaps one of its most encouraging results is that the momentum is beginning to spread. The Soroptimist Club of Tromsø has already taken the initiative forward by planning its own public meeting on the Istanbul Convention, showing how awareness at national level can inspire action within local communities.
The Norwegian experience offers a concrete example of what prevention can look like: building knowledge, opening conversations, creating partnerships and using lobbying to encourage change.
As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence call on us once again to act, this project reminds us that the Istanbul Convention is more than a policy framework. It is a tool that Soroptimists can use to inform, mobilise and help build communities where violence against women is recognised, challenged and prevented.
Bintou Koïta, Senior Programme Officer (SIE HQ)