Introduction

Abstract

This book is part of a four-volume series based on the findings of a three-year project, the Network for European Women’s Rights (NEWR), funded by the European Commission 5th Framework. The objective of NEWR was to study women’s rights in Europe across four sub-themes: trafficking; reproductive rights; political participation; and social entitlements. NEWR has set up a thematic network on the topic of women’s rights as human rights by bringing together expertise and encouraging dialogue across disciplines and among the countries of Eastern and Western Europe. Launched in October 2002, it is a continuous source of information and a platform capable of influencing the policy-making process, especially in Europe. The project is led by the Centre for the Study of Global Ethics (CSGE), University of Birmingham, together with nine partners across Europe: the University of Siena, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Bremen, the University of Deusto, the University of the Basque Country, the University of Helsinki, the University of Sofia, Panteion University and the University of Latvia.