On 7 April 2021, members of the EEA/Norway Grants SYNERGY Network against Gender-based and Domestic Violence came together for the official launch of the Council of Europe HELP course on Access to Justice for Women.

The kick-off featured a keynote speech by Professor Sara De Vido on European standards guiding policies and legislation on violence against women, specifically as it concerns Access to Justice for Women. Ms. De Vido's speech was complemented by addresses focused on the development and operation of HELP courses.  Welcome addresses were delivered by the Council of Europe Gender Equality Division coordinating the course; the Financial Mechanism Office coordinating the EEA/Norway Grants; and the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, coordinating the SYNERGY Network.

The course is tutored by Ivana Roagna, an international expert in Access to Justice. The online course, which will be run through the end of June, involves 27 participants from 11 European countries.

The Council of Europe cooperates under the EEA/Norway Grants as an International Partner Organisation and is the main international partner of the SYNERGY Network against Gender-based and Domestic Violence.