The Minister of State meets with the actors and actresses involved in defending women’s rights

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Minister of State organized a working meeting with members of the Government, administrative services, the associative sector, and civil society members involved in supporting and assisting women victims of violence. This meeting provided an opportunity for field actors and officials to share a common discussion space. “Because violence against women is an issue that requires close cooperation and a willingness from all to look in the same direction,” emphasized Céline Cottalorda, the Interministerial Delegate for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights.

Didier Guillaume, for his part, wanted to emphasize the importance that the Princely Government attaches to defending women’s rights and, more specifically, to the fight against the violence they suffer. “This day is close to my heart because women, who are the primary victims of domestic violence, deserve to have their voices heard, listened to, and taken seriously,” said the Minister of State. “When we look at what is happening in the world, the fight is global: there is no country in the world that is exempt, and the Principality is not in a bubble,” he added. “As of November 1, 2024, the Directorate of Public Security recorded 49 cases of violence, compared to 46 during the same period last year. These slightly higher figures reflect an increase in reports in an era when women’s voices continue to be liberated,” said Lionel Beffre, Government Counselor – Minister of the Interior.

On the announcement of these statistics, Christophe Robino, Government Counselor – Minister of Social Affairs and Health, remarked: “It’s not just about numbers; it’s a matter of principle. Even a few cases is always too many…”

In a proactive approach, the Principality committed itself to protecting women from all forms of violence and discrimination by signing the Istanbul Convention in 2014, an international treaty of the Council of Europe. Since 2019, several laws have been passed by the National Council to better protect victims. The latest concerns compensation for victims of sexual offenses and crimes against children.

During the cocktail that followed, the Minister of State thanked all the professionals who participated in the new campaign of the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights on this year’s theme of invisible violence and, more generally, all those working on the ground, often in the shadows, serving women victims of violence. “Invisible violence is even harder to fight… We don’t do this because it’s November 25th. We do it because we are convinced,” said Didier Guillaume.