What began as a small group of dedicated women with a vision for a united European network has grown into the largest network of Women’s Specialist Services in Europe. In 2024, WAVE proudly celebrates 30 years of feminist activism and advocacy for women’s rights.
Today, we represent over 1,600 women’s organisations through more than 180 members across 46 European countries, and we remain the only network in Europe solely dedicated to preventing and combatting violence against women and their children. This milestone is a testament to the collective strength, passion, and resilience of our members, partners, and allies who continue to shape a safer, more just world for women and girls.
Celebrating 30 Years of WAVE
Together with our founders, members, and leadership, we have created this special video to reflect on our beginnings, our collective strength, and how we have united across Europe to combat violence against women and girls. From navigating crises with solidarity to continuing our commitment to building a safer future, this video celebrates the power of togetherness.
The WAVE Office Reflects: 30 Years of Advocacy and Change
On 8 March 2024, International Women’s Day, the WAVE Office reflected on the strength and impact of the WAVE Network. Since 1994, WAVE has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality and ending violence against women and girls by sustaining and strengthening an indispensable network of women’s specialist services. Our network exemplifies the power of mobilisation and collective action within feminist movements, championing women’s rights and fostering solidarity across Europe.
WAVE Conference 2024: Key-note address by Doris Schmidauer, First Lady of Austria
In honor of WAVE’s 30th anniversary, Doris Schmidauer, the First Lady of Austria shared a powerful keynote address, celebrating the network’s crucial work in advancing women’s human rights and combatting violence against women and girls across Europe. While reflecting on Vienna’s significant role in the global fight for human rights, she highlights the importance of WAVE’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, solidarity, and building a world free from violence.
WAVE Voices for Feminist Collective Liberation and Resilience
As part of the 16 Days of Activism and in celebration of WAVE’s 30th anniversary, WAVE members and supporters from across Europe offered powerful reflections on the collective journey towards feminist liberation.
We committed our lives to other women and against violence against women. Being together with activists with such commitment is also liberating.
Nela Pamuković
ROSA, Croatia
For collective liberation, we need to grow in our awareness, our strategies and our diversity.
Agata Teutsch
Juniper, Poland
As a society we need to understand that when talking about equality and equity, we are not stealing anybody’s rights.
Simona Voicescu
Necuvinte, Romania
We will continue our work, sharing our experiences, and strategising together for women and children to live free from violence.
Dušana Karlovská
Fenestra, Slovakia
What we need is communities; communities of feminists, survivors, youth, and advocates.
Alexandra Abrudean
A.L.E.G, Romania
It is important for us to experience feminism in our bodies to guide women to a better understanding of themselves and reach a transformation in order to facilitate structural changes.
María M. Fuentes
APPF, Spain
We cannot reach collective liberation unless we invest in primary prevention.
Antonia Tsirigoti
EAVN, Greece
Women’s rights and their protection must remain a priority, even in times of war.
Evelina Chornobai
LaStrada, Ukraine
We have to build a mass movement that truly challenges the prevalence of male violence and its root causes.
Niamh Wilson
WAVE co-founder (Ireland)
Women’s rights are tumbling, so we have to keep being strong and united.
Silvia Iglesias
Por Ti Mujer, Spain
We need feminism to become a project of society, everywhere in the world.
Marie Dubost
FNSF, France
If we come together, our ideas can transform into solutions.
Mihaela M. Darvariu
Anais, Romania
We need to exchange experiences that inspire us to work tirelessly for a better world for women.
Lepa Mlađenović
WAVE co-founder (Serbia)
Every conversation we have, has the potential to transform.
