Brussels – Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar attended a conference on women’s rights in Brussels on Thursday, organized by European Commissioner for Gender Equality, Hadja Lahbib. Upon her arrival, she remarked that the EU may need another 60 years to achieve gender equality, as indicated by women’s representation metrics. “I do not have that time, and I believe many other women in the European Union do not either,” stated Pirc Musar.
In her address, she highlighted that gender equality contributes to economic growth, projecting that the EU could see an economic boost of approximately two to three trillion euros by 2050. “In today’s highly competitive environment, gender equality is not a luxury but a necessity. A gender-equal society translates to higher employment, productivity, and resilience in response to geopolitical, climate, environmental, economic, and other crises,” she noted.
She also referenced the European citizens’ initiative, My Voice, My Choice, advocating for safe and accessible abortion across the union, which has garnered over 1.1 million signatures from EU citizens. She called on the European Commission and the European Parliament to “take these voices seriously.”
The conference aimed to support the EU action plan for advancing women’s rights, adopted in March, which seeks to eradicate gender-based violence and provide support and protection for victims. Additionally, it underscores the need for women’s access to sexual and reproductive health, equal pay, economic empowerment, and the elimination of gender pay disparities. The plan also advocates for quality and inclusive education and balanced political participation across genders. (October 16)
Leave a Reply