More than 70 years ago, in 1953, the European Union of Women was founded in Salzburg by Austrian MP Dr Lola Solar with the aim of enabling women to contribute to international debate and to stimulate interest in European affairs.
Today there are 12 active countries in membership across the continent, each being autonomous sections representing hundreds of members, who are typically elected representatives of national and European parliaments, businesswomen and professional women from all walks of life. To find out more about our vibrant member countries, please see the Sections page.
During the last seven decades, the role of women has changed and so has the EUW! Although it is still proud of and true to its roots of aiming to encourage European women in different countries to study and resolve common problems. However, the EUW now also encourages women – across the continent - to take an active part in political and civic life. It also helps women in emerging democracies play a role in the development of their nations from the outset.
The European Union of Women (EUW) has consultative status with the Council of Europe and Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (Ecosoc). It also contributes to the work of the European Parliament through the EPP Women’s Section and national MEPs.
Through the EUW's six commissions, research work into issues of today and, more importantly, tomorrow, are carried out and the results fed into various national and international bodies. The work has a unique flavour as it pulls together experience and thought-provoking results from women throughout Europe who are centre-right in political thinking.
The Human Rights Commission, for example, attracts lawyers from all member states. The Europe Alive Commission, in comparison, organises cultural, economic and political visits, usually lasting 3-4 days, to member states and is open to all in membership of the EUW.
Today there are 12 active countries in membership across the continent, each being autonomous sections representing hundreds of members, who are typically elected representatives of national and European parliaments, businesswomen and professional women from all walks of life. To find out more about our vibrant member countries, please see the Sections page.
During the last seven decades, the role of women has changed and so has the EUW! Although it is still proud of and true to its roots of aiming to encourage European women in different countries to study and resolve common problems. However, the EUW now also encourages women – across the continent - to take an active part in political and civic life. It also helps women in emerging democracies play a role in the development of their nations from the outset.
The European Union of Women (EUW) has consultative status with the Council of Europe and Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (Ecosoc). It also contributes to the work of the European Parliament through the EPP Women’s Section and national MEPs.
Through the EUW's six commissions, research work into issues of today and, more importantly, tomorrow, are carried out and the results fed into various national and international bodies. The work has a unique flavour as it pulls together experience and thought-provoking results from women throughout Europe who are centre-right in political thinking.
The Human Rights Commission, for example, attracts lawyers from all member states. The Europe Alive Commission, in comparison, organises cultural, economic and political visits, usually lasting 3-4 days, to member states and is open to all in membership of the EUW.
The European Union of Women (EUW) was founded in 1953
It's principal aim was to encourage European women in different countries to study and resolve common problems.
Equality, Freedom, Education and Culture
The European Union of Women (EUW) has addressed women’s issues at local, national and international levels since it was founded in 1953
Brief Overview of the EUW
The EUW works for the strengthening of peace on the basis of justice and the free cooperation of peoples.
The European Union of Women stands for the safeguarding of human dignity and freedom, the maintenance of Europe’s outstanding cultural heritage, and for social and economic progress while protecting the rights of the individual.
EUW maintains that these aims will only be realised by increasing the influence of women
The European Union of Women stands for the safeguarding of human dignity and freedom, the maintenance of Europe’s outstanding cultural heritage, and for social and economic progress while protecting the rights of the individual.
EUW maintains that these aims will only be realised by increasing the influence of women
VISIONWomen and girls across Europe and beyond can achieve their potential, realise their aspirations and have an equal voice in creating fair, strong, peaceful communities.
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MISSIONEUW will work to support women and girls to transform their lives through empowerment
and freedom of opportunity, promoting international understanding, goodwill and peace. |
PRINCIPLESThe EUW is based on the basic humanitarian principles of safeguarding human freedom and
dignity, the rights and responsibilities of the individual and the maintenance of cultural heritage alongside social and economic progress. |
President: Margaret Hales MBE
After a lifetime in university education, the UK health service and politics, she now lives in Spain where she is also a member of the Spanish Section. She first joined EUW in1982 and was subsequently vice president and then president of the international Education Commission. She was elected as a vice president of EUW in 2012 and then president in 2017.
She says: "I cannot imagine my life without EUW: to be able to work for the equality of women through peace and democracy and in doing so to gather valued and talented friends from across Europe has been a wonderful journey"
She says: "I cannot imagine my life without EUW: to be able to work for the equality of women through peace and democracy and in doing so to gather valued and talented friends from across Europe has been a wonderful journey"