Ecicw-Cecif

Empowering women and encouraging their participation in decision-making at national and European level, upholding human rights and eliminating all discriminations, encouraging sustainable development and peace. • Main tasks - Make women's opinions heard and promote their participation in European decision-making bodies- Facilitate collaboration between ECICW member organizations and strengthen ties both with the International Council of Women and with other organizations or networks- Collaborate with the Council of Europe, UN agencies such as UNICEF and UNIFEM, and with the European Women's Lobby /Organization All the National Councils are organizations bringing together up to a hundred women's associations. All are independent associations of political parties and not for profit. They work in all areas of society in cooperation with all non-governmental organizations interested in gender issues, nationally and internationally. The members of the Councils are often asked to intervene on government documents, such as legislation. • Activities ECICW studies and monitors women's issues in Europe. At European level, we put up motions, make statements and respond to initiatives from the various authorities. ECICW activities include work in all areas of society in cooperation with all non-governmental organizations interested in gender issues, nationally and internationally. The members of the Councils are often asked to intervene on government documents, such as legislation. Activities include information and education, seminars, training and discussion sessions. The topics dealt with in recent years are: prevention of trafficking in women, housing, poverty, fair trade, pensions, social security, health, environment, equality, refugees, elderly, violence against women and other Beijing Platform topics.