On the occasion of the International Women's Day (8 March), the Chairpersons of the Council of Europe Steering Committee for the Rights of the Child (CDENF) and the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Committee) speak about the role that women in leadership should play in protecting and empowering children, especially girls, who have been particularly affected by the pandemic and recent lockdown measures.

Ms Maria-Andriani Kostopoulou, CDENF Chairperson urges all women in leadership to use their powers at best to activate the right levers to improve women’s and girls’ safety and well-being.

Ms Christel De Craim, Chairperson of the Lanzarote Committee recalls that 1 in 5 children are a victim of sexual abuse. Two-thirds of them are girls. She calls upon all European leaders to give priority to the prevention of child sexual abuse by making sexuality and relationship education and awareness activities about online safety available to all children, and by supporting accessibility to reporting mechanisms and child helplines. Only then girls will receive the respect they deserve and will be truly protected and empowered to lead the way in identifying the signs of sexual abuse and exploitation, and to assist others to talk to a person they trust.

 Video message of Ms Maria-Andriani Kostopoulou, CDENF Chairperson

 Video message of Ms Christel De Craim, Chairperson of the Lanzarote Committee