ASTRA Newsletter: Every female MP in Slovakia has experienced at least two forms of violence

The ASTRA Network Bulletin, of which we are a part, provides an overview of the current situation, achievements, and challenges in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Our contribution✨

Every woman MP has personal experience with at least two forms of violence

In the second quarter of 2026, Freedom of Choice was focused on the European project 3R: Recognize, Resist, Rise Up: Tackling Gender-Based Violence against Women in Politics, specifically on finalizing the research report on gender-based violence against women politicians.

The research confirmed that violence against women in politics represents a serious social and structural problem in Slovakia:

• it fundamentally influences and shapes the lives of female politicians and their loved ones and has broader consequences for society as a whole;
• it contributes to women leaving politics prematurely;
• it prevents them from exercising their right to participate in the management of public affairs;
• and, finally, it also threatens democracy itself.

The low participation of women means that we live in a “democracy with a male face,” in its incomplete and distorted form.

It is important that we do not tolerate such violence and do not support a culture of silence surrounding it. Women politicians must be able to carry out their duties without violence or coercion. They must have access to protection, the ability to speak out, and the means to report cases of violence, and society must be capable of stopping it and holding those who commit gender-based violence accountable. Such systemic change requires a combination of tools, including support for equality not only in politics but in all areas of life. In the next chapter of the project, we will prepare a list of necessary measures that Slovakia could implement.

We celebrated the 25^th anniversary of Freedom of Choice!

We celebrated this milestone in April, together with our closest supporters. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the celebration, both in person and online.

Our organization’s anniversary is not just about days in a calendar, but above all about the people who stand by us. Their presence, support, and energy reminded us why our work matters. It was amazing to see so many kindred spirits in one place, not only to laugh together, but also to continue the fight for women’s rights and freedom for all.

We continue with direct support for women

Between March and May 2026, 37 women contacted our helpline and other communication channels; we also provided further consultations to partner organizations — community centres, women’s shelters, and other helplines in Slovakia.

The most common questions concerned obtaining contact information for healthcare facilities and the healthcare process itself: women needed information on prices, timeframes, and the availability of services in their regions. Some women face long waiting periods, and some of them (4) were unable to access free assistance despite having a medical indication for an abortion.

The situation is particularly problematic for homeless women (3) and women living in marginalized communities (2).

Gender education is an essential prerequisite for an equal society

We organized three training series in which 49 people participated.

• Equality in the Workplace was an accredited program focused on fair pay, flexible work arrangements, gender discrimination prevention, and fostering a respectful environment. This new type of training was conducted in collaboration with United Resources Business Solutions (the Harmónia initiative).

Participants described the training as two wonderful days filled with inspiring conversations and appreciated the opportunity and time provided for sharing experiences. There was a request for the training to last even longer 🙂

• “Alumni” networking training session was a two-day networking and training event for graduates and partner organizations, aimed at fostering collaboration and deepening expert knowledge.

The participants left with the best possible impressions in every respect. There was a strong sense of gratitude for the enjoyable time spent together, the stimulating discussions, and the new information. The organizing team received great recognition and support for the work they do for the company.

• Gender equality, reproductive rights, and promoting cooperation among nongovernmental organizations strengthened participants’ gender sensitivity and critical thinking in SRHR topics and made them acquire practical skills to prevent gender discrimination and the influence of stereotypes.

Participants noted that the group’s composition created an ideal environment for building collaborations. Many expressed a strong desire and excitement for future training sessions and joint activities.

Together, we can achieve more

Our joint activities within the Human Rights Coalition are proof of that. We organized a special event for Women’s Day, titled “ Keep the carnation; let’s tear down patriarchy together.” In Slovakia, the carnation has become a symbol of the empty promises politicians make to women, especially on Women’s Day.

In addition to our campaigns, the coalition also focused on advocacy work. We issued a statement on International Roma Day, in which we noted that this day should not remain merely a symbolic reminder of identity and traditions. It should also serve as a call to reflect on whether we are truly succeeding in upholding the values of equality, dignity, and human rights for all. The reality is that for many Roma in Slovakia, these are not a daily given. The experience of many Roma families remains marked by social exclusion, prejudice, and systemic barriers that prevent them from fully realizing their potential and participating with dignity in society.

We publicly stood up for the Public Defender of Rights and the Chamber of Non-Governmental Organizations, which had come under attack due to statements made by coalition politicians.

🧭 In the latest issue of the ASTRA bulletin, you can also read about activities in the member countries:

• Moldova: Following intense pressure from the Reproductive Health Training Center (RHTC) and its partners, the Ministry of Health has once again included telemedical abortion in the national protocol (from which it had been removed in 2025). However, its use is currently limited to emergency and exceptional cases.
• The Balkans: The Albanian Center for Population and Development (ACPD), in collaboration with the partners, has created the first regional feminist travel guide to the cities of Tirana, Skopje, and Belgrade. The project involved young people and aims to highlight the historical contributions of notable women.
• Armenia: Ahead of the parliamentary elections, SRHR and abortion have become targets of far-right and conservative narratives. The declining birth rate is presented as a security threat, and women’s rights organizations are facing disinformation campaigns.
• Azerbaijan: A new combined product for early medical abortion (MisoMife-Fem Combo Pack) was introduced in Baku. Surgical methods still predominate in the country, and experts (including RHTC) are training local medical staff on safer procedures in accordance with WHO guidelines.
• Croatia: The organization CESI launched the “Talks at Home” campaign to help parents talk to their children about relationships, consent, and safety. After long-term advocacy, the city of Zagreb succeeded in implementing a health education curriculum that includes comprehensive sexual education.
• Georgia: Research has shown that people living with HIV face stigma in the healthcare system, concerns about data confidentiality due to centralized care, a lack of information about medications in the Georgian language, and limited reproductive autonomy for women (frequent push for cesarean sections).
• Hungary:
  • The new government led by Péter Magyar offers positive promises regarding transparent funding for civil society, the fight against period poverty, and domestic violence. However, the ASTRA Network campaign highlights significant ambiguities and omissions in the program (the absence of topics such as abortion, contraception, LGBTQ+ rights, and the specific needs of Romani women).
  • A forum bringing together Romani women, activists, and midwives was held in Budapest. Research on gender roles and the reproductive lives of Romani women was presented, highlighting the lack of funding for initiatives led by Romani women themselves.
• Latvia: The organization “Papardes zieds” is lobbying political parties to introduce sex education in schools, is fighting against alternative programs proposed by conservatives, and is raising awareness at large youth events and festivals throughout the summer.
• Romania:
  • The National Strategy for Reproductive Health is stalled at the ministry due to political instability. The Association of Midwives is pushing for legislative reform that would recognize their autonomous role in the public health insurance system. The country faces a critical shortage of midwives (there are only 700, while at least 7,000 are needed).
  • A team from the organization A.L.E.G. participated in the Sirene Festival in Palermo to discuss best practices for their own Gender Equality Festival in Sibiu.
  • The “Masculinity Today” survey was published, mapping the attitudes of young Romanian men, many of whom still adhere to traditional gender roles and controlling behavior.

ASTRA Annual Meeting and New Film: In late May, the ASTRA Network held its annual meeting in Warsaw, where members signed a manifesto in defense of SRHR in the region. At the same time, the network premiered a new documentary film that, through interviews with activists, highlights the complex obstacles faced by rights advocates in the region.

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