In the context of the 18th annual European Public Health Conference (EPH2025), held on November 12-14, 2025, in Helsinki, Finland, the third day featured a critical roundtable discussion organized by EUPHAnxt in collaboration with WHO Europe. The session highlighted leadership in public health with a focus on gender-based violence.
The roundtable was chaired by Jinane Ghattas from EUPHAnxt of the European Public Health Association and Emilia Aragón De León, Public Health Policy expert at the World Health Organization. It included contributions from key speakers: Melanie Hyde (Technical Officer for Gender, Equity and Human Rights, WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development); Miljana Grbic (WHO Representative and Head of WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova); Jarno Habicht (WHO Representative and Head of WHO Country Office in Ukraine); Maria Papadakaki (Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University); and Katarzyna (Kasia) Czabanowska (Professor in Public Health Leadership and Workforce Development, Maastricht University).
During the discussion, speakers emphasized the urgent need to break the silence surrounding violence against women and girls, which is often downplayed or ignored. They stressed the importance of integrated approaches, including comprehensive policies and support networks that go beyond fragmented initiatives, alongside consistent training for healthcare professionals from undergraduate levels to foster knowledge and empathy.
The panel noted that while policies exist, the real challenge lies in their effective implementation across all health system levels, including interdisciplinary education and cross-departmental readiness. Gender-based violence must remain high on the policy agenda to drive actions empowering women and building trust in support systems.
The clear message was to say “no” to silence and take active stands against violence through trust, accountability, and collective action.
