The 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, held from 10 to 21 March in New York (USA), was an opportunity for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to call on the European Union and its Member States to step up their commitment and counter any attempt to undermine what has already been achieved.
And with good reason: in its contribution on the priorities of the European Union, published on Thursday 20 March, the EESC points out that women’s rights, despite having been strengthened in recent decades, are now under threat from a resurgence of conservative discourse, particularly on the part of the far right.
The aim is to call for a political upsurge. The European advisory body is calling for an active defence of what has been achieved, accelerated progress on gender equality and a safe space for civil society. To achieve this, a number of levers are recommended, including parity in politics, better recognition of the care economy and bridging the digital divide.
The EESC also stresses the importance of combating violence against women. It calls on all Member States to ratify and implement Convention 190 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the world’s first treaty against violence and harassment in the workplace, and the Istanbul Convention on domestic violence.
Lastly, the note highlights the decisive role played by young people, non-governmental organisations and public funding.
Read the contribution: https://aeur.eu/f/g3a (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)