International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024

​25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, is a pivotal date in the global fight against gender-based violence. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MFA) has ramped up its efforts in consular assistance and the protection of Spanish women and their Spanish children who are victims of gender-based violence abroad. This shows a solid commitment to the protection and support of victims of any form of violence against women outside our borders.​

Progress in consular assistance for women who are victims of violence abroad​

In 2019, the MFA created the post of Coordinator for Violence against Women and Social Assistance, a role focused on coordinating assistance for Spanish women and their minor children abroad who face gender-based violence situations. This position has enabled comprehensive support to be provided in these cases, offering specialised training and capacity building for consular teams to adequately address the difficult situations that victims of any form of violence against women face. This strategy is part of Spain's feminist foreign policy, the guide and action plan of which clearly strengthen the commitment of the Government and the MFA to gender equality and the protection of women's and girls' rights, as core pillars, leaving no one behind.​

Signing of the Agreement for the care of women who are victims of gender-based violence abroad

 On 16 July 2024, Spain signed the “Inter-ministerial Cooperation Agreement for the Care, Transfer and Return of Spanish Women Who Are Victims of Violence Against Women Abroad[AIP1] ". This inter-ministerial cooperation, which involves key ministries such as Justice, Interior, Equality and Migration, guarantees a coordinated and effective response to victims of any form of gender-based violence abroad, strengthening our country's capacity to offer assistance to Spanish women and their minor children abroad in gender-based violence situations.​

Key achievements in the protection of Spanish women abroad

In the last five years, the MFA has managed to:​

• ​Raise awareness and realign consular assistance to ensure that staff are trained in the care of victims of gender-based violence.
  
• Improve data collection on gender-based violence cases, enabling a more effective and personalised response. In 2023, 428 new cases of violence against Spanish women abroad were registered, resulting in appropriate consular support and repatriations in critical cases.

• Strengthen professionalism and continuous training to ensure that personnel are trained in comprehensive care for victims of any form of gender-based violence, in collaboration with other ministries and through outreach campaigns aimed at the Spanish population abroad to raise awareness of these services.
  

Spain, a global reference in the fight against gender-based violence​

Spain's feminist foreign policy has positioned the country as an international reference in the fight against gender-based violence. Through partnerships and multilateral cooperation, Spain promotes its model of prevention, intervention, protection and support for victims of any form of violence against women, inspiring other countries to adopt similar measures.

      1.   Bilateral and Multilateral Collaboration: Spain cooperates with third States and international organisations, such as the UN Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women, actively participating in initiatives that prioritise the security and protection of women worldwide.

      2.   Commitment in Humanitarian Crises: In conflict situations and humanitarian crises, Spain promotes programmes for the protection of women and girls, with a focus on prevention and assistance for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

      3.   Participation in International Organisations and Partnerships: Spain is a member of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, contributing to initiatives that address the safe use of technology and countering gendered disinformation in the digital environment. Furthermore, this year the Feminist Foreign Policy + Group is co-chaired by Spain and Mexico. 

Minister Albares meets a group of women from various walks of life to discuss Spain's Feminist Foreign Policy in early 2024.

Spain's contribution to the prevention of violence in conflicts​

Spain has shown a strong commitment to preventing and countering sexual violence in conflict, aligning itself with NATO's Action Plan and participating in the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. This effort includes the signing of the 2022 Political Declaration, which saw Spain and other signatory countries pledge to act against impunity and improve support for victims.​

In 2023, Spain made a significant contribution of €50,000 to the Office of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, supporting the continuation of investigations and victim protection programmes. 

Protection in the digital environment: the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse​

Since last year, Spain has been a member of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse. This effort focuses on reducing technology-enabled gender-based violence by creating a safe digital environment for women and girls around the world. Technology is a valuable resource, but it also poses challenges in terms of security and gender equity.

Conclusion​

​Spain reaffirms its commitment to the protection of Spanish women and girls abroad as part of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Thanks to a strong feminist foreign policy, seen as a global reference, and to the cooperation between different ministries and international organisations, our country continues to make progress towards eliminating gender-based violence in all its forms. Continuous education and capacity building, cooperation and the defence of equal rights between women and men reflect the vision of a world free from male violence, and consolidate Spain as a reference in the global fight for the safety and dignity of women.