An international conference on the rights of older women took place on 28th November at the University of Barcelona. Just days after the international Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women speakers and participants from across Europe raised voices for the numerous older women silenced by violence. The event was organized by AROA Foundation and the University of Barcelona.  

The conference was opened by Pedro Cano Desandes, Director General for Older Persons at the Government of Catalonia. A special tribute was paid to Elizabeth Sclater (1946–2024), a good friend and a key figure in advancing the rights of older women, both through her professional practice and her advocacy for the human rights of older women at the European and international levels.

Dr. Claudia Mahler, United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons delivered a keynote speech. In three panels we discussed the Human Rights and Public Responsibility in Addressing Gender-Based Violence Against Older Women; Overlooked GBV and Emerging Knowledge: Feminist Contributions to Uphold Older Women’s Rights and Good Practices and Transformative Strategies in local, national and European experiences that have fostered tangible progress in awareness-raising, institutional coordination, and policy advocacy.

Maria Petkova from Tulip Foundation & OWN Europe presented findings from research and highlighted professional practices that can shed light on less visible forms of gender-based violence in later life, and how these approaches can contribute to prevention and reparation.

A summary Policy Brief “A life free from gender-based violence at all ages: policy recommendations to uphold the rights of older women” with recommendations and advocacy strategies led by civil society, together with a roadmap for advancing the rights of older women in the current context will be published in spring 2026.