The European Commissioner for Cohesion, Elisa Ferreira, addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament on behalf of the European Commission and Vice-President Margarítis Schinás on the subject of gender inequality in sport on Thursday 14 September. This debate follows on from the ‘Rubiales’ affair.
As Spain won the Women’s World Cup this summer, the now suspended President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation forcibly kissed Jenni Hermoso, captain of La Roja.
Entrenched violence
In the words of Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP, Spanish), the MEPs denounced the “disgusting and reprehensible attitude” of Luis Rubiales. “His behaviour reflects without any doubt the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wide-spread sexual violence”, she added.
Laurence Farreng (Renew Europe, French) and Diana Riba i Giner (Greens/EFA, Spanish) also denounced the culture of omertà and impunity that reigns within sports federations, and the low representation of women in decision-making positions.
European laws
Beyond congratulating the Spanish players on their victory, Ms Ferreira did not comment directly on the affair. However, she reiterated that the Commission “strongly condemns all form of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, the sports fields and everywhere else”.
Despite the Union’s limited powers in the field of sport, the Commissioner listed a series of measures initiated by her institution to promote gender equality, such as the setting up of a high-level group on the subject (see EUROPE 12911/33) and dedicated actions within the EU Work Plan for Sport 2021-2024.
She also pointed out that sexual harassment and violence in the workplace are prohibited under European legislation. Ms Ferreira also called on the co-legislators to adopt an ambitious directive to combat violence against women (see EUROPE 13249/7). (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)