Demonstrations of support for women have taken place ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March.
To that end, at the European Commission, nine Commissioners co-signed a joint declaration acknowledging the progress accomplished but also the current challenges (particularly wage disparities, poverty, discrimination and the trafficking of human beings, etc.) existing in this area: “We must not and we will not stop fighting for gender equality, to keep women and girls safe, and to empower them to fully realise their potential. The European Union is committed, as it was 60 years ago, to ensuring equality for women around the world”. The text was dated 7 March and was signed by Frans Timmermans, Federica Mogherini, Günther Oettinger, Johannes Hahn, Neven Mimica, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Marianne Thyssen, Christos Stylianides and Vera Jourová. The Commission explains that these are the Commissioners who are working the most directly, “on gender issues”. A column jointly written by women Commissioners and a declaration by Jean-Claude Juncker are also expected to be published on 8 March. Commissioner Corina Cretu (Regional Policy) will also co-sign, together with the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), a joint declaration on strengthening the active participation of women in local and regional government.
On 7-8 March, the European Parliament press service is organising a seminar for journalists on the economic emancipation of women, based on the theme chosen by the United Nations. The chairperson of the gender equality and women’s rights committee, Vilija Blinkeviciute (S&D, Lithuania), stated during an introduction to this event that, “gender equality and women’s rights are a priority of the European Parliament. We have adopted 18 resolutions on this theme, including the economic emancipation of women”. The European Parliament seminar examined disparities in the areas of pensions, decision-making and the balance between private and working lives. On the initiative of Marc Tarabella MEP (S&D, Belgium), participants were able to attend the screening of the film, “I am Femen” attended by the director and main actress. This seminar is due to close on 8 March with four prizes being awarded to the most innovative women entrepreneurs.
With regard to the Council, the Maltese Presidency organised a conference on Monday 6 March on commemorating International Women’s Day. During this event, the Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumption and Civil Liberties, Helena Dalli, called for women’s skills to be strengthened, in an effort to ensure that they obtained a certain financial independence.
At an international level, the Organisation for Economic Corporation Development (OECD), published a new survey (Dare to Share) indicating that OECD countries were increasingly recognising that gender equality in the private sphere is crucial for achieving equality in the workplace. In this context, the survey is recommending a number of things, including financial measures, such as encouraging fathers to take parental leave. A different survey from the European Institute for Gender Equality is also expected to be published on 8 March.
An international strike by women is also planned in around 50 countries during the day on 8 March in protest against, "social, legal, political, psychological and verbal violence suffered by women in different countries". (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)