Credit: UN Women/Olivia Owen
BANGKOK, Thailand, May 3 2021 (IPS) - The lockdowns and illnesses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have dramatically increased the need to care for children, the elderly and the sick. And in societies where gender inequality and biased norms persist, most of this burden has fallen on women, many of whom have had to leave their regular jobs with no idea of when they can return.
Actually, the pandemic has merely exacerbated the existing stereotypes about the role of women, who are reflexively expected to take care of their family members, house chores, and myriad other daily domestic tasks that are unpaid but vital to households, communities and economies.
#BRIDGE Opinion | Irena Moozova, European Commission: Making gender equality a reality in the world of work
Mihai Cristea 29/04/2021 | 13:29
Achieving progress on gender equality is a joint responsibility and employers are a crucial factor in making gender equality a reality in the world of work. It is at the company level that EU gender equality laws are ultimately applied. Therefore, companies’ and employers’ understanding of and support for gender equality measures is essential to change matters on the ground.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not made the quest for gender equality easier. On the contrary, it has a disproportionate impact on women’s lives. We have seen a surge in domestic violence cases but women in the labour market have also been hit hard, as they are overrepresented in sectors worst affected by the crisis. Furthermore, the lockdowns had an adverse impact on work-life balance and care responsibilities. However, the crisis is an oppo
Swiss adopt first national strategy on gender equality
A scene from Lucerne during the national women s strike in 2019 Keystone / Alexandra Wey
The Swiss government has new strategy to promote equal pay as well as the compatibility of careers and family life. There will also be a push to protect women from violence.
This content was published on April 28, 2021 - 16:01
April 28, 2021 - 16:01
Keystone-SDA/sm
Adopted by Switzerland’s executive branch on Wednesday, the National Strategy for Gender Equality is an effort to combat discrimination, sexism and violence. The aim is to achieve true gender equality by 2030.
An article on equality was enshrined in the Federal Constitution in 1981. Article 8 states: “Men and women shall have equal rights. The law shall ensure their equality in law and in fact, especially in the family, in education and in the workplace. Men and women are entitled to equal pay for work of equal value.” The relevant law has been in force since 1996.
Várhelyi issued the following statement:
“On occasion of the International Roma Day, we celebrate, together with our largest European ethnic minority, their unique contribution to European diversity and heritage. We also mark the 50
th anniversary of the First World Romani Congress.
Yet, many Roma still face prejudice, discrimination, antigypsyism and socioeconomic exclusion in their daily lives.
In addition, the global pandemic has hit Roma communities hard. We must do everything possible to address not only the current crisis affecting them, but also to bring real change on the ground.
To that end, the European Commission adopted an ambitious EU Roma Strategic Framework - a new 10-year plan to achieve equality for Roma in the European Union, and beyond. The Framework includes comprehensive lists of measures to combat discrimination and antigypsyism, advance social inclusion, promote participation of Roma in society and ensure equal access to quality mainstream education, em
Sit-in demands an end to ‘cover ups’
HUNDREDS of people on the Mornington Peninsula were in step with thousands across Australia on Monday at March4Justice rallies. A march in Rosebud coincided with about 20 people showing their support for an end to gender-based discrimination and violence outside the Somerville office of Flinders MP Greg Hunt.
Pictures: Gary Sissons
ABOUT 20 people attended a March4Justice “sit in” outside the office of Flinders MP and Health Minister Greg Hunt’s office at Somerville on Monday (15 March).
The group, which also stood, demanded that women be “heard, respected and represented in Canberra” as well as an end to gender-based discrimination and violence in society.