In a written interview with the Cyprus News Agency, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, emphasised that while meaningful progress has been made in recent decades, true gender equality remains an unresolved issue. Her comments were made during a seminar in Brussels that highlighted the challenges of upholding women’s rights in defence, security, and peacebuilding, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8th.
President Metsola outlined the steps undertaken by the European Union, particularly focusing on the European Parliament’s initiatives. She noted that the gender pay gap in Cyprus is approximately 10% and addressed the unique challenges and “relentless scrutiny” faced by women in political roles.
Furthermore, she discussed the European Parliament’s efforts to incorporate abortion rights into the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the potential implications of new US policies on global civil society, suggesting that the EU might play a supportive role in bridging any gaps.
Metsola also responded to questions regarding the rise of far-right voices within the pan-European legislative body and shared insights from her visit to the Gaza Strip, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women, on both sides of the conflict.
On March 11th, the European Parliament will honour exceptional women across Europe in Strasbourg in recognition of International Women’s Day. The recipients of this tribute include Belarusian opposition leader Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya, political activist Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, political prisoner Lenie Umerova, and medical volunteer Tata Kepler, who serves on the Ukrainian frontlines.
Addressing ongoing inequalities in professional and personal realms, including politics, President Metsola remarked that “centuries of discrimination have left a lasting gender gap in our culture, economies, and political systems”.
“Despite meaningful progress in recent decades, true gender equality remains an unfinished agenda. The European Parliament has enacted decisive measures in recent years to advance gender equality and create a fairer, more inclusive society for all,” she stated.
Metsola cited the Women on Boards Directive, which was finalised after nearly ten years of negotiations, as a pivotal step toward increasing women’s representation in senior positions within companies. She also noted that measures promoting pay transparency aim to tackle the gender pay gap and ensure equitable remuneration for women in the workplace.
Highlighting that the gender pay gap in Cyprus stands at around 10%, which equates to “one month of unpaid work each year”, she asserted that “this must change”.
Additionally, she mentioned that new EU regulations concerning work-life balance for parents and carers are designed to provide more equitable opportunities for both women and men at work and at home, though she acknowledged that “much remains to be done”.
During this legislative term, the commitment to ensuring that women and girls hold equal positions in both public and private spheres remains a priority, she noted.
Focusing on women’s representation in European politics and the enduring lack of adequate representation, Metsola attributed this to “multiple interconnected issues”.
“Society does not always facilitate women in making such decisions. Women, especially those in public positions, encounter constant scrutiny. Every facet of your life is examined—from your attire to your conduct and life choices. This relentless scrutiny can be exceedingly burdensome, a pressure that men do not typically face to the same extent,” she explained.
“While we like to believe we have made significant strides, traditional gender roles and entrenched biases continue to exert their influence,” she stated, referencing the challenge of balancing family and career ambitions.
“It is a delicate balancing act, and as a woman, I understand the additional effort required to attain recognition and advancement. One might question, for instance, whether a male colleague would face the same scrutiny,” she highlighted.
“This is precisely why I have made it my mission to challenge these stereotypes and encourage more women to pursue their ambitions without reservation. If you believe in something, pursue it. Be passionate, be persistent, and never allow anyone to tell you that you are not enough. Your voice, your perspective, your leadership are all significant,” she concluded.
( Source : CNA )
