One in three women in the EU experiences violence: 'It will take 130 more years for equality'

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EU Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Hadja Lahbib announced that one in three women across the EU is subjected to violence. Lahbib stated that the annual cost of this situation reaches 290 billion euros. The report, presented as part of March 8 International Women's Day, addressed the types of violence and inequalities faced by women in detail.

According to the report, one in three women in EU countries experiences physical or sexual violence. One in five women is subjected to physical or sexual violence by a partner or a relative. One in 8 women is a victim of sexual violence. The report also noted that new forms of violence against women on digital platforms are increasing. Lahbib stated that the annual cost of violence against women is 289 billion euros.

According to Reuters, Lahbib emphasized that women also face discrimination in the field of health. Noting that mortality rates for conditions such as heart attacks are higher in women than in men, Lahbib attributed this to the fact that medical research has historically prioritized men. Lahbib said, 'This situation shows that equality in healthcare has not been achieved and it costs lives.'

EQUALITY IN POLITICS HAS NOT BEEN ACHIEVED

Lahbib also drew attention to the insufficient representation of women in politics. Stating that only 28 of approximately 200 heads of state worldwide are women, Lahbib assessed, 'If we continue at the current pace, it will take 130 more years to achieve gender equality in politics.'

Making significant statements regarding wage inequality, Lahbib noted that women earn on average 12 percent less per hour than men for the same work, and added the following:

'This situation shows that equality in healthcare has not been achieved and it costs lives. Even in 2025, this inequality persists. There is a small improvement compared to last year, but it is not enough.'