From December 9 to 15, the European Parliament (EP) committees and delegations will discuss ways to empower women in the digital realm during the fifth European Gender

Equality Week.

This year’s theme, “The Digital World: Safety and Empowerment”, will drive discussions on gender equality across various policy areas. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will address the opportunities and challenges women face online. Antonella Sberna (ECR, Italy), EP Vice-President for Gender Equality Week, underscores the importance of this focus in a video statement.

Advancing gender equality online and offline

Ahead of the event, Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted recent progress, such as the adoption of the Directive on Violence Against Women. President Metsola emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve women's digital skills and STEM education, alongside ensuring their safety both online and offline.

“The European Parliament is committed to building a fair and equal Europe for all. Every woman must feel safe and empowered, wherever they are—online or offline,” she stated.

Key discussions and initiatives

The Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, chaired by Lina Gálvez (S&D, Spain), will host multiple events. Notably, a joint hearing with the Civil Liberties Committee on Thursday will explore securing gender equality and women’s rights in the digital domain. On the same day, Carlien Scheele, Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), will present the latest Gender Equality Index to the committee.

Eliminating online violence against women

A significant event on Wednesday will feature Vice-President Sberna, Chair Gálvez, and Ewa Kopacz, Vice-President of the European Parliament, joining former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in an online debate on combating violence against women and empowering them digitally. Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, will also contribute via video message.

Broader discussions on digitalisation and equality

Leading up to the week, the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy examined how digitalisation and artificial intelligence impact gender equality. Meanwhile, the Committee on Culture and Education reviewed strategies to tackle discrimination and gender-based violence in sports. These discussions were complemented by a screening of Julie Keeps Quiet, a shortlisted film for the LUX Audience Award 2025.