On November 5th, we joined MEP Alessandra Moretti and an inspiring panel of speakers to discuss women’s homelessness and explore how the new EU mandate can drive meaningful change.
Watch the recording of this exclusive event at the European Parliament in Brussels by clicking here.
The conversation underscored the critical need for gender-focused policies to end homelessness, emphasising three key priorities:
- Inclusive Data Collection: Ensuring that data systems capture the unique experiences of women.
- Safe and Accessible Services: Creating environments where women feel secure and supported.
- Improved Prevention Strategies: Targeting the root causes to address vulnerabilities before homelessness occurs
Women’s Homelessness: A Hidden Crisis
Women’s homelessness is not invisible—but it is often overlooked. Here’s why:
- A Narrow Definition: Historically, homelessness has been viewed as an issue affecting primarily single men. As a result, policy frameworks often fail to address the realities of women’s experiences.
- Avoidance of Services: Many women avoid seeking help due to stigma, judgment, or safety concerns. Current services often focus on environments that women actively avoid.
- Underrepresentation in Data: Without intentional efforts, women’s experiences remain underrepresented, reinforcing the false perception that women are a minority among the homeless population.
To address this, we advocate for a broader definition of homelessness, one that includes inadequate or unstable housing and practices like sofa surfing.
The Urgent Need for Women-Centered Services
Europe needs a greater number of services designed specifically for women, evenly distributed across regions. Women’s homelessness is deeply interconnected with experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse, which are both a major cause and consequence of their housing insecurity. These experiences contribute to severe social and health inequalities, profoundly impacting women’s physical and mental well-being.
Fighting for Visibility
Women are not a subgroup of the homeless population—they make up nearly half of it. It is imperative to keep women’s homelessness visible and on the agenda, advocating for policies that reflect their unique needs and challenges.
Together, we can push for systemic change to ensure women facing homelessness receive the support and dignity they deserve. Let’s continue the fight for a future where no woman is left without a safe place to call home.
Access the PowerPoint presentations used during this event by clicking below:
