This study explores the initiatives taken so far on women’s rights by international organisations and the authors attempt to map EU instruments and entry points for further action. Finally, the study provides a list of pragmatic recommendations to the EU as an external promoter of democracy and gender equality. The authors share the view that women’s rights will be the litmus test of a successful democratic transition. They explore and analyse the gender dimension in the context of democratic transition processes, with a special focus on current socio-political changes taking place in the MENA region. This is done with special attention to women’s political participation to show the importance of gender-responsive legislation, constitutions and accountability systems. In this regard transitional violence against women is treated as a cross cutting issue affecting women in the region and preventing them from enjoying their rights in all areas of public life and from influencing the political agendas.