The European Union of Women Mujeres en Igualdad Marina Alta is a registered non-governmental
organisation (NGO) here on the Marina Alta that aims to raise awareness about women’s issues, rights and
equality. It is a part of a Europe-wide network of people interested in the empowerment of women through
democratic representation within the context of peace.
It is accredited with the United Nations and the Council of Europe and participates in the organisation for
Economic and Social Development (OECD).
The purpose of our group is to raise awareness mainly among the English-speaking community in Spain
about women’s issues, and of course we have many Spanish friends in the local councils and other women’s
associations with whom we network to help each other to further our aims.
We would love to meet with you at some time to find out what you do and to tell you about what we do,
perhaps we can help each other in some way.
About us
Life in UK as academic, health
strategist and politician, always
wanting to inspire women. Now
happily retired in Spain and
passionate about women's issues
and women's access to information.
euwmarinaalta@gmail.com
Margaret Hales MBE
President
Community-focused event
expert, charity supporter and
proud mum of two beautiful girls.
Passionate about promoting
connection and giving back.
gemma@vivespons.com
Gemma Broad
Vice President
Happy hermit and networker, wife
and mum - seven languages,
background in Gestalt
psychotherapy, voluntary palliative
care and international LGBTQI
issues.
Marion Oprel
Vice President
Meet our team
With diverse backgrounds, interests and motivations, our committee is more than just a committee.
True friendship and a common endeavour is the foundation for our volunteer work.
Co owner of successful
construction and excavation
business here in Spain. Wife and
proud mum. Artist with a passion
for portraits.
euwma.treasurer@gmail.com
Emma Jane Lawton
Treasurer
Hypnotherapist, wedding
celebrant and activist for women’s
issues and equality.
Kathleen Misson
Secretary
Background: PR and Marketing,
Sales Management/ Training, NLP
and a London Academy qualified
Performance/ Life Coach.
Passionate about family,
friendships, music, dance, peace
and unity and making a positive
and supportive contribution
Lorraine Henshaw
Press Officer
Our committee members meet regularly to plan events and activities.
Meet our team (continued)
Retired practice educator/health visitor, interested in making a difference by supporting women's issues and charities. I go to local Spanish church and love dogs and nature.
Alyson Becht
Lifestyle event organiser
connecting people and
businesses, fostering
community growth, living
positively, supporting
causes, and adoring cats.
gina@gmpromotions.es
Gina Marks MBA
Meet our team (continued)
Each member brings her own unique life skills and personal and professional experiences.
Managing partner of Alba, Legal &
integration consultancy. Bilingual
and bubbly. Loves music and
animals.
Victoria Wright
Legal Consultant
Writer, editor, teacher, ex-lawyer,
thalassophile, hiker, needle-
crafter, full of hope and helping to
create a kinder world.
Karen Al-Ghabban
Linda Turner
Meet our team (continued)
Volunteering for the EUWMA is rewarding and fun, with cameraderie and friendship among a very
supportive team of positive women.
About the European Union of Women
- The European Union of Women Marina Alta is a Section of the EUW that falls under the Spain section of
the organisation called the Confederación Nacional de Mujeres en Igualdad. - It is a part of a Europe-wide network of women interested in political and social development and cultural
exchange. - A Europe-wide network of women interested in the empowerment of women through democratic
representation within the context of peace. - It works at many levels, collecting ideas and information at the grass roots, through which it contributes
to the agenda for change with representation in European and world-wide organisations. - The European Union of Women stands firmly for peace and the deepening of the participation of women
in and their understanding of European affairs. - We are a non-governmental organisation (NGO) accredited with the United Nations and the Council of
Europe and participation with the Organisation for Economic and Social Development (OECD). - Our international Executive attends meetings of the UN in New York, Geneva and Vienna to raise issues of
women in Europe. - We fight for the recognition of women's rights in all walks of life in Europe.
- We raise awareness against all kinds of injustice and violence against women and girls and all kinds of
discrimination.
About the European Union of Women (continued)
- Each Section (member country) has its own organisation with regional and local committees, organising
their own business, events and awareness raising. - Through its structure, board members and others are able to meet regularly and discuss and understand
the cultural, economic and political issues as they affect women across Europe.
History
- In 1953, in the aftermath of World War II Dr Lola Solar, of the People's Party (ÖVP) and a group of Austrian
women invited women of the Christian Democrat and Conservative parties across Europe to a
conference in Salzburg. - These women agreed to work closely together to find common solutions to problems concerning
women and families, to influence the legal processes in pursuit of their aims and to strive for peace. - EUW was officially established in 1955 in The Hague, with seven member countries, all of which had been
severely affected by the war. - Those aims have not changed.
Further information: www.europeanunionofwomen.com
The European Union of Women
- Works in cooperation with political and civil organisations of the free peoples of Europe as well as
European and International organisations to deepen the participation of women. - Subscribes to the spiritual and moral values that form the basis of Christian principles.
- Stands for the safeguarding of human dignity and freedom.
- Stands for social and economic progress while protecting the rights of the individual.
- Stands for the maintenance of the cultural heritage of Europe.
- Seeks to establish and increase contact between women from European countries.
- EUW's main working instruments are the Research Commissions. These bring together interested
members with expertise in all member countries, exchanging information on problems affecting women,
families and society.
The commissions are:
- Culture
- Education and Employment
- Health and Social Affairs
- International Policy
- Legal and Human Rights
- Sustainable Development
- Europe Alive
- Youth Alive
About the European Union of Women (continued)
You are not alone ❤
For domestic violence assistance (all languages), please call: 016
112: This is the emergency number in Spain. All languages. You can call this number from anywhere in Spain
and you will be connected to the police or the fire department.
016: This is the national telephone hotline for victims of domestic violence in Spain. It is available 24 hours
per day, 7 days per week. In Spanish, English, French, Arabic and Chinese. You can also call this number for
advice if you know someone who may need help.
If you are in immediate danger, just go, the police will help you. Call 112 or 016 or go to any police station or to
Social Services in your local town hall/Ayuntamiento. Take your ID document if you can.
Tips for staying safe if you are experiencing domestic violence:
- Trust your gut instinct. If you feel unsafe, get out of the situation.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people who care about you and want to help.
- Document the abuse. This could include keeping a journal of incidents, taking photos of injuries or saving
text messages or emails from the abuser. - Create a safety plan. This should include a list of people you can call for help, places you can go to stay
safe and how you will get out of the situation if you need to.
Assistance for women
Assistance for women (continued)
Centro Mujer - Women’s Centre
Tel: 900 580 888
Address (it is a secure office, you need an appointment to go there): Pl. Arxiduc Carles, 3, 03700 Dénia
(Google map).
This service is available in centres throughout the Valencia Regional Community. The people who work
here are specialists in all aspects of gender-based violence and can provide:
- English interpreters available.
- Comprehensive support, 24 hours per day, to all women who are victims of physical or psychological
abuse, sexual assault, sexual abuse or sexual harassment. - Free telephone and in-person support around the clock, every day of the year, on social,
psychological and legal matters. These services are delivered by qualified and specialised
professionals. - Comprehensive and ongoing support for women who are victims of gender-based violence through
individual or group therapy, as well as telephone assistance. - Information and guidance for women on their rights and access to public and private resources in
areas such as social services, employment, education, culture and healthcare.
It is open to all women, regardless of their age, origin or socioeconomic status.
Assistance for women (continued)
Where to go in the Marina Alta
You can report domestic violence to the police by telephone or in person at any Guardia Civil or Policia
Local station in Spain or to Social Services in your local town hall (Ayuntamiento), where you will find
professionals trained on matters of domestic violence.
When you report domestic violence, it is important to provide as much information as possible, such as
the name of the abuser, the date and time of the incident and any injuries you may have sustained. You
should also tell the police if you are in immediate danger.
The police will take your report and investigate the matter. If they believe that there is evidence of
domestic violence, they will take action, such as arresting the abuser or issuing a restraining order.
❤ If you are experiencing gender-based violence in Spain, there are many resources available to help you.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Social services at your local town hall
Make an appointment to see a social worker at your local town hall. They can help you with information
and assistance to help you and your children to move forward in your life.
Assistance for women (continued)
Where to go in the Marina Alta (continued)
You can go to the Local Police, Guardia Civil or Social Services at your local town hall (ayuntamiento).
To find their address and phone number, type in Google maps: ‘Policia Local’ or ‘Guardia Civil’ or ‘Servicios
Sociales’ + ‘Town name.’
The police or social services will most likely refer you to the Denia Women’s Centre, where specialist legal
and psychological assistance can be provided.
There are also a number of non-profit organisations that can help, such as the Red Cross, Guardian
Angels, and many others.
We are in the process of putting this resource together, please email us in the mean time if you need help
looking for information.
If you would like to become a member of the European Union of Women Marina Alta - please complete the
form below and email to euwma.treasurer@gmail.com
Annual Membership (from January to December) costs 15 euros
with an additional 5 euros for an EUW pin badge
Fees can be paid by bank transfer to our EUWMA bank account or in cash to a committee member.
Details of our bank account are included on the membership form.
Membership
European Union of Women Mujeres en
Igualdad Marina Alta
The Lady Elizabeth School
Entrada Norte de la Cumbre del Sol
- 03726, Benitachell, Alicante.
- euwmarinaalta@gmail.com
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