1 Billion Rising is a movement made up of a number of different women's rights groups who have joined together to raise global awareness against violence against women. It is part of the V-day movement which celebrated its 15 anniversary on 14 February. It is a global activist movement combating violence against women and has been described as a "feminist tsunami".

Globally, one in three women are affected by violence at some point or another in their lives. On a European level, one in five women are subjected to domestic violence, with 45% of European women confronted with violence during their lifetime. To raise awareness 1 Billion Rising organised demonstrations on 14 February across the globe encouraging men and women of all ages would come out and dance in protest of violence against women. The demonstrations took place worldwide with over one hundred and ninety countries across the globe participating.

The demonstrations in Brussels were supported by MEPs with many of them joining the demonstration which took place in front of the European Parliament. In addition, the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Equality has recently adopted a resolution on the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women. This resolution outlines crucial measures the European Union needs to undertake at a global level. In particular the European Union needs to focus on raising awareness and funds, exchanging good practices and setting down concrete legislative measures.

Two years ago the European Commission launched Project Daphne III, a project aimed at changing the attitudes to dating violence in adolescent relationships (CAVA). Project Daphne III focuses on teaching, counselling and providing advice to adolescent girls who are experiencing violence in their relationships. International figures show us that between 10% and 30% of adolescent girls experience violence in relationships. The Commission is now being called on to do more and introduce a European Strategy that would include legislation measures and an action plan to combat violence against women. European Commission Vice President Viviane Reding has expressed her support to combating, what she described as a violation of human rights. In addition, calls are being made to introduce a new Convention of Council of Europe to prevent gender based violence. This would set crucial basic standards across all countries that ratify the Convention. The European Union and member states are therefore being urged to sign and ratify the Convention. The Commission is also being pressed to introduce a European Year against Violence.

In March a statement on the European Union's position on combating violence against women will be delivered at the 57th UN Commission on the Status of Women. This Commission promotes equality, peace and development. In addition, it is responsible for monitoring the implementation of policies which further women's rights and it reviews the progress made on national, EU and global levels. The Commission also provides recommendations to the Council on areas which require urgent attention. The priority of the 57th Commission will be to eliminate and prevent all forms of violence against women. It is hoped the 57th UN Commission will provide a better result than the 56th UN commission, at which a common position could not be reached. Commissioner Reding expressed her regret at this outcome. In light of the budgetary cuts agreed at the last European Council on 7 and 8 February a cross party initiative will be launched to incorporate the non-violence cause into EU policy. One of the main focuses of the initiative will be the 2014-2020 Right Equality and Citizen programme. The initiative urges member states to ensure this programme deals effectively with preventing violence against women.

In addition to prevent violence against women, promoting gender equality such as reducing the pay gap has positive economic effects; assisting in economic growth, increasing prosperity and competitiveness. This is why gender equality forms an important part of the EU 2020 agenda.