Council of Europe: GREVIO Warns of Growing Threats to Women’s Rights NGOs
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 5:10 AM

A new report by GREVIO, the Council of Europe’s expert group monitoring the Istanbul Convention, warns of a “shrinking space” for women’s rights NGOs across Europe. Financial cuts due to austerity, increasing hostility toward gender equality, and lack of state cooperation are making it harder for civil society groups to protect women from violence. GREVIO also highlights that women’s rights defenders are facing rising levels of gendered hate speech, threats, and political attacks. Despite states’ pledges under the 2023 Reykjavik Declaration to safeguard civil society, the report shows women’s organizations remain under growing financial and political pressure.
 
Compiled from: “New report indicates “shrinking space” for women’s rights defenders,” Council of Europe, May 13, 2025.