Key messages for supporting the development of Strategy and action plan aiming to debunk false narratives, myths and misconceptions about the Istanbul Convention

Bulgarian platform of European Women’s Lobby and Hungarian Women’s Lobby

January 2023

Key messages

for supporting the development of Strategy and action plan

aiming to debunk false narratives, myths and misconceptions about the Istanbul Convention

continue to speak the truth, dismantle misinformation and false narratives about the Istanbul Convention
highlight realities of women, survivors of violence against women

use statistic – official statistic from your national statistic institutions, the Eurostat source ^[1] and other official sources, and provide additional data provided by NGOs in your country

provide information about the costs of Violence against women and DV – see the EIGE’ study: The costs of gender-based violence in the European Union
lobby for the values, aims, provisions and benefits described in the Istanbul Convention without stressing the concept “Istanbul Convention” that triggers resistance and already deeply infused with misconceptions

focus on the 4 pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution and co-ordinated policies

present a comparison between the situation of women in our country and in those who already ratified the Istanbul Convention underlining the benefits, good practices, changes and available statistics
highlight key achievements of the Istanbul Convention in neighboring countries
Source: EWL (2020): “Towards a Europe free from male violence against women and girls”
analyse the public discourse and use simplified arguments as well as engaging visuals for target groups in the social media

avoid getting lost in the details of explaining the term gender, instead center the terms violence against women, rights and safety of women

work on a local level, mobilise and engage local politicians, decision makers, municipality stakeholders in an honest discussion about the Istanbul Convention

To acquaint interested groups in society with the work of organizations working for women’s rights and the services they offer for prevention and assistance, with the aim of building trust towards them, popularizing their activities and services and overcoming the negative messages that are spread about them in some countries and contribute to their “demonization” by various groups, movements, even political parties.

regularly analyze the political situation in your country and use all opportunities to attract possible allies