In an unprecedented initiative in the fight against gender-based violence, the first women’s-only delegation took place from May 19th to May 23rd 2024.
Organized by ELNET, this historic delegation comprised esteemed representatives from 12 European nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Led by influential figures in diplomacy, security and women’s empowerment, this mission was dedicated to confronting gender-based violence with resolve. Through a series of engagements, ELNET seeks to raise awareness, stimulate dialogue and advocate for concrete actions against this global issue. Amongst our notable attendees and speakers were Elise Fajgeles, Secretary General of the French Governmental Agency Dealing with Racism, Antisemitism, and Hatred Against LGBTQ+; Rawan Osman, Syrian-Lebanese/German activist and founder of ArabsAsk; Elaaheh Jamali, Iranian-British human rights and social justice advocate; Nastya Popandopulo, Ukrainian Podcaster and Sigita Struberga, Secretary General for Security of Latvia and Latvian Transatlantic Organization.
Rawan Osman, Syrian-Lebanese Activist and Founder of ArabsAsk, shared her feelings as the Delegation walked through Kibbutz Kfar Aza
During their mission, the delegates had the honor of meeting with key Israeli officials, including the First Lady of Israel, Ms. Michal Herzog, and Brig. Gen. Naama Rosen-Grimberg, the First Female Military Secretary to the President’s office. Additionally, they participated in the launch of the first Global Women’s Coalition Against Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War Conference at the Knesset, co-hosted by MK Shelly Tal Meron and ELNET.
With a diverse lineup of speakers and testimonies and a fashion show, the gathering shed light on the harrowing realities faced by countless individuals affected by this form of violence as well as on the strategies and best practices to combat this critical issue. A Gala Dinner at the Museum of Tolerance, hosted by representatives of Forum Dvorah, followed the conference.
Nastya Popandopulo, Ukrainian Activist, visited Kfar Aza for the first time with ELNET.
The delegates also received invaluable security briefings from experts like Ambassador Michal Philosoph, Head of the Human Rights and International Organizations Department at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Micky Rosenfeld, Superintendent from the Israel Police International Cooperation Unit. Moreover, the mission included a visit to the South and a meeting with representatives of Israeli civilians whose family members are still in Hamas captivity.
From border crossings to expert discussions, this historic delegation gained first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities for combating the issue of gender-based sexual violence.
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