Brussels, 08/03/2011 (Agence Europe) -The 100th anniversary of International Women's Day was celebrated on Tuesday 8 March during the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. It was attended by presidents Jerzy Buzek (EP) and José Manuel Barroso (Commission) and the vice-president of the Commission, Viviane Reding (Equal Opportunities).
Margaret Thatcher said that if you want something said, ask a man, but if you want something done ask a woman. It was after quoting “one of the most eminent women” in Europe that Jerzy Buzek addressed the press. The president of the EP welcomed the role played by women in society, in the workplace, in the political world and in business. This role grows in importance every year but the battle is far from over. The president of the EP also thought it very important to point out that Louise Weiss, “the founder of our building, as well as being a journalist and author”, fought for the right of women to vote. He paid homage to the courage of all Libyan and Tunisian women fighting for democracy in the streets and on the markets. Buzek considers that the role of women is essential for transforming society. He exclaimed that “8 March is one day. Let's recall our obligations and put them into practice in the 364 other days of the year”. He also pointed out that another thing was essential: the general approach put forward by the parliament because it underlines women's rights and gender equality.
José Manuel Barroso was pleased that European women had always been pioneers for political rights. He affirmed that Europe would not be what it is today without the participation and contribution made by women. He added that “women's day is not only a means of taking note of what accomplishments have been made it must also be used to make progress for those who think that the quality is perhaps there on paper but not sufficiently there in practice… The Commission wants to continue moving forward in the EU and in third countries”.
Viviane Reding declared that “this table is a mirror image of the ideal situation: two men, two women. This is how we understand equality”. She also said that in 100 years we have moved from the right to vote for women to women astronauts! Reding said that the primary area in which progress is required is that of salary disparities between men and women. This should therefore be followed by calling on companies to take on more women on their boards of directors. Finally, Reding said that she entirely agreed with Margaret Thatcher!
In a joint declaration, Catherine Ashton and Viviane Reding the two Commission vice presidents asserted: “Equality between women and men is a fundamental right, a common value of the EU and a necessary condition for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth within the EU, as well as a key principle in its external action.” (G. B./transl.fl)