Since 1949, the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) has actively worked to promote and protect the rights of minority men and women across Europe. It amplifies their voices before national and international institutions and stands alongside member organisations in support of their fight for equality and non-discrimination.
Recognising the growing concern about gender equality and the disadvantaged situation of women and girls worldwide, FUEN has acknowledged the need to address these issues in depth and develop a new line of action. Although the gender perspective has permanently been embedded in all FUEN, the active engagement of minority organisations across Europe can bring positive change.
Based on its years of experience, FUEN acknowledges the large gap in the participation of women in various forums, lectures, and events, not to mention representative activities in their minority community. The current project aims to address these problems, promote the motivation of women, and deal with the current socio-political challenge of multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination against women who belong to national, ethnic, linguistic, religious, and autochthonous minorities. Minority women are more likely to be exposed than those of majorities.
FUEN believes active citizenship is the first precondition for positive societal changes. It aims to not only identify problematic areas and attract the attention of policymakers and civil society organisations but also support the elaboration of mechanisms and strategies to address them and equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to become agents of change and shape their future.
The FUEN Women of Minorities initiative is expected to attract attention to the complex challenges that some women belonging to minorities face—first because they are women and second because they belong to a minority community. FUEN believes that this project will directly impact the broader audience and raise awareness not only of its member organisations but also of policy and decision-makers at national and European levels.