In a demonstration of sustained commitment to gender equality, Monaco's Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women's Rights convened its seventh plenary meeting, where officials presented a comprehensive annual report detailing progress in combating violence against women and advancing equitable practices.
Presided over by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, the government counselor and minister for external relations and cooperation, the session brought together representatives from Monegasque institutions, the Directorate of Judicial Services, state services, and associations dedicated to women's rights. The gathering underscored the committee's ongoing efforts, including dialogues with prominent figures such as the writer Djaili Amadou Amal and Isabelle Rome, which enriched discussions on emerging challenges and amplified the visibility of the committee's initiatives throughout 2025.
Céline Cottalorda, the interministerial delegate for women's rights, outlined the year's principal accomplishments, emphasizing a heightened mobilization around core priorities. These included two foundational statistical studies: one examining violence against women and another analyzing wage disparities between women and men. Such data-driven analyses aim to inform policy and highlight persistent inequalities in salaries and safety.
The committee also launched two major awareness campaigns. On March 8, International Women's Day, the "POWHER" initiative assembled numerous stakeholders committed to equality. Later, on November 25 - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - a campaign introduced the concept of coercive control through a video titled "Boîte Noire" ("Black Box"), which garnered 800,000 views across social networks.
Further bolstering these efforts, the committee continued to enhance professional training programs. In 2025, 115 professionals received instruction on receiving and supporting victims of domestic violence, while 119 civil servants and state agents were sensitized to workplace sexism. Ms. Cottalorda emphasized that these measures serve as essential levers for evolving societal practices and mindsets, ultimately ensuring robust protections for women's rights.
Photo credits: Gouvernement Monaco Instagram