Termín menstruační chudoba označuje nedostatečný přístup k bezpečným a cenově dostupným menstruačním pomůckám, hygienickým zařízením, ale také k informacím o menstruaci. Jedná se o vážný, ale často přehlížený problém, který podle odhadů postihuje 10 % menstruujících žen a dívek v celé EU. Evropský parlament zaujal jasný postoj a uznal menstruační chudobu za významnou překážku rovnosti žen a mužů a plné sociální a ekonomické účasti. V této epizodě se zabýváme tím, jak Evropský parlament tento problém řeší.

Evropská unie a boj proti menstruační chudobě

Simone Veilová je jednou ze zakladatelek Evropské unie. Byla první předsedkyní přímo voleného Evropského parlamentu a sehrála klíčovou úlohu při prosazování evropské jednoty a lidských práv. Jako obhájkyně práv žen se zasadila o legalizaci potratů ve Francii a proklestila cestu ženám na vedoucích pozicích. A jako přeživší holocaustu si palčivě uvědomovala, jak důležitá je sjednocená Evropa. Její odkaz a neúnavný boj za spravedlnost a lidská práva nás inspiruje dodnes. Málokdo ztělesňuje motto Evropské unie „Jednotná v rozmanitosti“ tak jako Simone Veilová.

Simone Veilová, matka zakladatelka Evropské unie

Mezinárodní den žen má svůj původ v počátcích dělnického hnutí kolem roku 1900. Stále připomíná boj za rovnost žen a mužů a zároveň je příležitostí k oslavě pokroku, kterého společnost dosáhla. Evropský parlament propaguje rovnost žen a mužů se skutečným nasazením. Na ochranu práv žen, podporu rovných příležitostí a boj proti diskriminaci přijal významná usnesení a zákony.

Mezinárodní den žen

Міжнародний жіночий день відзначається щорічно 8 березня, щоб вшанувати досягнення жінок і привернути увагу до прав жінок. Це нагода підвищити рівень обізнаності про такі питання, як гендерна рівність, репродуктивні права, боротьба з насильством та жорстоким поводженням з жінками. Рівність між жінками і чоловіками завжди була однією з основних цінностей і цілей Європейського Союзу, але поставлена мета все ще не досягнута повністю.

Як ЄС бореться за права жінок

Mezinárodní den žen každoročně připadá na 8. března. Oslavuje úspěchy žen a zaměřuje pozornost na jejich práva. Je to příležitost zvýšit povědomí o otázkách, jako je rovnost žen a mužů, reprodukční práva a boj proti násilí na ženách a jejich zneužívání. Rovnost žen a mužů je odjakživa jednou ze základních hodnot a cílů Evropské unie. Stále jí však nebylo zcela dosaženo.

Unie bojuje za práva žen

Press point with EP President Roberta Metsola and rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar on Proxy voting in plenary before and after childbirth place, outside the hemicycle after the votes at around 12.30

Press point with EP President Roberta Metsola and rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar on Proxy voting in plenary before and after childbirth

Harnessing women’s talent through education, training and employment, to drive economic growth and progress, is the main topic of several events being organised by parliamentary committees this week (Monday to Thursday). 

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opens the hearing on “Women’s leadership in politics” in the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee on Wednesday.

Every year Parliament holds a Gender Equality Week to take stock of the achievements and identify new measures to advance girls' and women's rights and ensure gender equality. Events are organised by Parliament's committees, delegations, political groups and administration. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

In 2025 the European Gender Equality Week will focus on talent. The main event will host a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents.

Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits.

Gender Equality Week: "Women's leadership on politics"

Four women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their home countries – from Belarus, leader of the country's democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and Palina Sharenda Panasiuk; and Lenie Umerova and Tata Kepler from Ukraine – have all been invited to address plenary., Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, 

will speak to MEPs at a solemn session on Tuesday at noon. 

In the early afternoon, MEPs and Council and Commission representatives will debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights” (expected to be adopted by the Commission on Friday 7 March). The discussion is expected to focus on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. Key issues will include the implementation of EU legislation, such as the first ever EU rules to combat violence against women, the rules on improving gender balance on corporate boards, and binding pay transparency measures. MEPs are also likely to discuss the need for women’s equal participation in the economy and society, including in politics, and the impact of shifting political dynamics on women’s rights and gender equality.

International Women's Day Celebration

Women in defence, security and peace building. A special meeting of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality with members of national parliaments and invited panellists – including women in leadership roles in the military, academics, and activists – is scheduled in the run-up to the International Women's Day (8 March). The meeting will include introductory remarks by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, and will focus on 'Strengthening the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Upholding Women's Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding. (Thursday) A media seminar is organised on Wednesday afternoon, with EP President Roberta Metsola, MEPs, and guests from Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and international organisations.

Inter-parliamentary committee meeting on "Strengthening the Women on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2025

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs are also expected to request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence.

The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses. With a commitment to prioritizing equality, MEPs will urge the Commission to ensure effective transposition of these rules across member states, highlighting the necessity for accessible healthcare, sheltered accommodations for victims, and enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding consent and non-consensual acts.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

Voting session

Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team address MEPs.

To mark International Women’s Day, captain of the Spanish women’s football team Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo, captain for club Levante, addresses MEPs,  followed by a round of political group speakers. Spain won the World Cup in 2023 for the first time, but the trophy presentation was marred by harassment. 

On the same day at around 10.30, , MEPs discuss whether Parliament should give its consent to Council for member states to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Violence and Harassment. The convention is the first international treaty to recognise the right to work free from violence and harassment.

Plenary Debate -  Parliament marks International Women’s Day (8 March)

EP Plenary session - European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My voice, my choice: for safe and accessible abortion’

New digital technologies are a mixed blessing for women's rights and representation in the information sphere in general, and in the democratic debate in particular. Innovative digital tools often promise to make public debates more inclusive, for women too.

Women in the age of AI-enabled disinformation

As many women and girls continue to face barriers in accessing affordable menstrual products, menstrual poverty remains a significant socioeconomic issue. To combat it, the EU Value Added Tax (VAT) Directive now allows Member States to apply reduced or zero VAT rates to sanitary products. On 4 November 2025, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) will hold a public hearing on this issue in light of the Parliament's Gender Equality Week.

VAT rates on tampons across the EU

Photo action by pregnant women after voting in plenary for Members during pregnancy and after giving birth

FEMM LIBE - Presentation by the Commission - Baseline evaluation procedure of the European Union's implementation of the Council of Europe   Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention)

FEMM SEDE - Hearing: The 25th anniversary of UN SCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security

FEMM - Hearing: Women’s leadership in politics

Gender equality week - Facing the Talent Gap

Gender Equality Week (GEW) ' The Path Forward: The New Gender Action Plan ' .

EPP members of  FEMM committee and guests of  the International Women's Day family photo

EP Plenary session - Roadmap for Women`s Rights

To mark International Women’s Day, political group speakers take the floor after the testimony of Jackie Fox, who campaigns in memory of her daughter, a victim of cyberbullying. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

International Women’s Day Celebration: one round of political group speakers

This news item shows extracts from the interparliamentary meeting on International Women’s Day 2026. This year's event aims to foster dialogue and critical reflection on the challenges facing women's rights and democratic processes in today's digital landscape. The discussion will focus on the impact of stereotypes, disinformation, and online violence, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. The is attended by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Director of the UN Women Brussels Liaison Office Florence Raes, alongside other participants from the public and political spheres.

International Women’s Day 2026: extracts from the interparliamentary meeting

Online threats, cyber violence and disinformation, including deepfakes and AI‑generated content, contribute to broader pressures on democracy by undermining trust and can silence voices, including women’s by restraining their freedom of expression. Violence targeting women in politics leads to under‑representation. The EU and the European Parliament in particular, has recognised the seriousness of such phenomena and reinforces its efforts to support women in their efforts to overcome these serious obstacles to political participation. This infoclip illustrates women and young girls browsing through social media platforms, journalists verifying information using online tools, female journalists preparing and recording or broadcasting shows for various media and female leaders and politicians acting in their official capacities in different occasions/ events.

Infoclip: Women’s Rights - Combating Disinformation and Violence in the Digital Age

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur, hold a press point on proxy vote during pregnancy. Parliament is seeking to improve gender equality and ensure mothers can participate fully in political life. The targeted change to the electoral rules would confer proxy voting rights to MEPs three months before their estimated due date and six months after childbirth.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur on proxy vote during pregnancy

MEPs vote on the following items: López Aguilar (A10-0214/2025) - Amendment of the European Electoral act, allowing Members to vote in plenary by proxy voting during pregnancy and after giving birth; Ridel (A10-0206/2025) - Addressing transnational repression of human rights defenders; Votes on requests for urgent procedure (Rule 170) - (C10-0263/2025) - Deforestation Regulation: certain obligations of operators and traders; Žalimas (A10-0216/2025) - Request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun; Humberto (A10-0217/2025) - European Maritime Safety Agency; Joveva (A10-0207/2025) - Statistics on population and housing; Knotek - (A10-0223/2025) - Framework for achieving climate neutrality; Wiezik (A10-0205/2025) - Conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Voting Session, including the proxy vote in plenary by proxy voting during pregnancy and after giving birth

This News item shows extracts from the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and statement by Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, ES), Chair of FEMM Committee. This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Women's Leadership in Politics: extracts from the public hearing and statement by Lina GÁLVEZ (S&D, ES), Chair of FEMM Committee

Antonella SBERNA, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for the Gender Equality Week delivers a speech, opening the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

Public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics: speech by Antonella SBERNA, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for the Gender Equality Week

Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ, Chair of the Committee delivers welcoming remarks, opening the public hearing on Women's Leadership in Politics at the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). This year the European Gender Equality Week focus on talent. The main event hosts a discussion on how to ensure women can access the same opportunities as men in order to be able to harness their talents. Parliament wishes to emphasise that creating the conditions for women to participate fully in the workforce and public life is not only a matter of fairness, but it also brings economic and social benefits. The first edition was held in 2020, on the initiative of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee.

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