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Every year, since 2015, May 8 is dedicated to equal opportunities between women and men. It was established by the law 23/2015 dedicated to equal opportunities between women and men as an integral part of social policy.
The legislative project for the establishment of this day was initiated by UDMR senator Rozalia Biro and it was adopted by the Senate on September 9, 2014, and by the Chamber of Deputies, a decision-making body, on February 11, 2015. The law was promulgated by President Klaus Iohannis on March 6, 2015.
On March 5, 2020, the European Commission presented the strategy on equal opportunities and treatment between women and men in Europe for the period 2020-2025, which presents key actions for the period in question and the commitment of the community executive to integrate the perspective of equality in all areas of EU policy, according to a statement from the Commission. Among the key actions provided in this strategy are ending gender-based violence and eliminating stereotypes, ensuring equal participation and opportunities in the labor market, including equal pay, and achieving a balance between men and women in the process decision-making and in politics. The strategy calls for the adoption of legal measures to criminalize violence against women.
In order to promote and consolidate gender equality, the European Institute for Gender Equality operates as an autonomous body at the level of the European Union, which both fights to combat gender-based discrimination and contributes, through advanced policies and programs, to the intensification of citizens’ awareness of the European Union on gender equality.
Today, on the National Day of Equal Opportunities, I moderated the debate on equal opportunities at the Senate of Romania, organized by Anca Dragu, president of the Commission for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities, Cults and Minorities. The debate „Equality of opportunity, for real!”, at its third edition, referred to the right of women and girls to access health services, reproductive health and minor mothers’ issues and the amendment of law no. 202/2002 on equal opportunities and treatment between women and men.
Among the public person with decision-making power were Anca Dragu – President, Commission for human rights, equal opportunities, cults and minorities, Gabriela Firea – Minister, Ministry of Family, Youth and Opportunities Equality, HE Theresa Hydén– Ambassador of Sweden in Romania.
What is the connection between gender equality and opportunities and sustainable development?
It is necessary for gender equality to become a lived reality, not just a wish displayed in company regulations or on the social media walls of public figures. It is an essential condition for sustainable development, for good governance, in terms of ESG parameters (environmental, social, and corporate governance). What does this mean? Without gender equality, we cannot reduce poverty in all aspects.
Photo: Pixabay
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