Monaco's Minister of State Leads Meeting on Ending Violence Against Women

On November 25th, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Monaco's Minister of State, Didier Guillaume, convened a collaborative session in the Ministerial Chambers to address this pressing issue. The meeting drew together government officials, administrative representatives, and leaders of associations committed to aiding women impacted by violence. This assembly reinforced the principality's unified approach against domestic violence and supported the advocacy for women's rights within the region.

During the discussions, Céline Cottalorda, the interministerial delegate for women's rights promotion and protection, highlighted the necessity for a concerted effort to combat violence against women, underscoring the importance of a collective vision and action. Reinforcing this sentiment, Minister Guillaume affirmed the government's staunch stance on protecting women, particularly from domestic abuse, and the importance of recognizing and validating their experiences. The commitment was echoed by Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, who noted a slight increase in reported violence cases, attributing this to more women coming forward, a sign of the growing empowerment and vocalization of affected women.

The session concluded with acknowledgments of the progress made since Monaco signed the Istanbul Convention in 2014, including the enactment of several protective laws since 2019 and new measures for compensating survivors of sexual crimes. Minister Guillaume praised the persistent efforts in addressing what he described as "invisible violence," the focus of this year's campaign, and emphasized the principality's ongoing commitment to this cause, driven by conviction rather than the observance of a specific date. This meeting not only reiterated Monaco’s dedication but also highlighted the continuous efforts to safeguard and empower women within the community.