07/03/2016 Equality and Non-Discrimination
“Challenging patriarchal values, sexist stereotypes and the traditional perception of gender roles is at the core of the action undertaken since decades by women’s rights activists all over the world” declared Elena Centemero (Italy, EPP/CD), Chairperson of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination of the Parliamentary Assembly, on the eve of the International Women’s Day. “Their work should be both acknowledged and applauded and the need to continue the fight reaffirmed,” she continued.
Although the status of women in Europe has undoubtedly improved during recent decades, gender gaps persist in many areas, showing that women are only halfway to equality with men. “Women are still marginalised in political and public life and suffer discrimination in employment or difficulties in reconciling private and professional life” explained Ms Centemero, who is currently in charge of a report on assessing the impact of measures to improve women’s political representation.
“The right approach to adopt in order to achieve full gender equality is a global, holistic one, encompassing quantitative and qualitative measures with a gender perspective on all areas of society” she concluded.