International Women’s Day: Strengthening Women's Representation in Politics and Security
MEPs, national MPs from EU and candidate countries have discussed with experts on Thursdays how to ensure better participation of women in political decision-making and peace-building.
Opening the meeting of Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, Chair Lina Gálvez (S&D, ES) welcomed members of national parliaments from the EU, candidate countries, and EFTA, noting the context of ongoing conflicts in the world, in particular Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. She stressed the alarming global backlash against women’s rights; remarking that while humanity has advanced in AI and digital technology, progress on gender equality and human rights remained far too slow and we face today a backlash against women’s rights all over the world. As women and girls have always been and remain the majority of victims of war they are frequently left out when it comes to peace building and the highest political decisions about their future.
In a video message, European Ϸվ President Roberta Metsola undesrcored the exclusion of women from key political and wartime decision-making tables. She paid tribute to the courageous women fighting in war zones, describing them as a source of inspiration, and concluded that peace was stronger when women have a voice.
Polish Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula underscored the critical role of women in peace efforts, emphasizing that women stand as pillars of hope, resilience, and resistance, particularly in Ukraine. Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, recognized the current moment as a turning point for women’s rights in Europe, warning against rising global attacks on gender equality. She highlighted women’s essential role in society and family structures during conflicts and affirmed that the upcoming Roadmap for Women’s Rights will reinforce the EU’s political commitment to gender equality, addressing social, economic, and technological challenges.
During the first panel, Lieutenant-Colonel Diana Morais, Advisor to Portugal’s Minister of National Defence, and General Elanor Boekholt O'Sullivan, Deputy Director-General for Policy in the Netherlands (via video message), stressed the importance of women exploring the options of participating in security and defence, emphasizing that no talent should go to waste in the effort to protect societies. Dr. Kalliopi Chainoglou, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Macedonia, Greece, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to promote women’s participation in diplomacy and defence where women remain significantly underrepresented, through strong role models and specialized training, particularly in STEM fields. Jonna Naumanen, EEAS, spoke of the persistence of harmful gender stereotypes, the spread of disinformation, and the lack of funding as major obstacles to achieving genuine gender equality. She also emphasized how the rise in violent conflicts worldwide continues to have a devastating impact on women and girls.
In the second panel, Yelyzaveta Boryskina, Women's Lobby of the SD Platform in Ukraine, highlighted women's active role in the country's defence with 60 000 women participating in the protection of the country. Despite their significant contributions, she pointed out that Ukraine has only two female generals and women are in general underrepresented in leadership positions. In the context of the ongoing war and occupation, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war. Mariam Safi, Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (DROPS) in Afghanistan, shed light on the dire situation facing Afghan women under a "gender apartheid" imposed by the Taliban. She urged the international community to support Afghan women by advocating for human rights and holding perpetrators accountable. In this context, she welcomed the European Ϸվ’s September 2024 resolution condemning the worsening conditions for women in Afghanistan.
MEPs and national MPs expressed compassion and support for Afghan women while acknowledging that no country is immune to setbacks in women's rights. There was broad consensus that women need greater representation in politics and leadership positions to drive meaningful change, as well as a seat at the table where decisions on war and peace are made. Participants also recognized the extremely challenging situations women face in many parts of the world and the increased challenges to already acquired women’s rights globally. In light of the current shift away from a rules-based global order, there was a call to establish a worldwide platform to connect women leaders in shaping a more just and stable international system.
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Contacts:
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Polona TEDESKO
Press Officer