Publié jeudi 27 mars 2008 à 12h35
par
ania_skrzypek 
(vu 894 fois et 3 commentaires)
Thinking about the next post of the blog – I was actually trying to remind myself what is that people enjoy reading. Coming from the political school of manifesto: ‘others want to see true intentions that inspired you at the first place, to be also inspired’, I decided to use one of my very peculiar interests while traveling;… women magazines. From cover to cover – scanning all the pictures, trying to get empathy for the authors of ‘letters to editor’, looking at some clothes that are not only strange but absolutely unaffordable for a regular employee… But above all the most exciting and the most interesting is what the knowledge these colorful pages give; the portrait of a woman of today. The last time I did that reading I discovered something absolutely disturbing; women of my own age (around 30) are the group with the highest risk of the heart attacks. Even more terrible, most of us had already some mini-version ones without noticing that even!
It has been shocking to discover, but on the other hand looking at the recent publication of the European Commission "Report on equality between women and men – 2008" I’d say: no wonder. Female employment rate, though going up, is still 57,2%; employment rate gap of more than 16%; gender pay gap; sectoral and occupational segregation; difficulties with reconciliation of family and professional life which translates to imposed life choices; discrimination; violence against women. Women record a higher educational attainment and they actually represent 59% of university graduates, which sadly even in the age of “Lisbon Strategy” does not translate to more or better jobs for women or less poverty and precariousness. Those are just the headlines and if you read them carefully, taking time, closing your eyes after each and every, no matter which gender you are, you will also get terrified. For socialists (and being a socialist for us in ECOSY means being a feminist!) this is a strong motivation to act.
I strongly believe that 'gender equality' has to be a fundamental pillar of the PES manifesto, and herewith become a transversal issue starting from European democracy and diversity, but highlighted especially in New Social Europe. What we need is not another set of bureaucratic and legal rules. Believe me, if you have a chance to get out of hopeless situation of poverty even through getting a job with a contract ‘no children next 5 years’ you’ll take it, just to get a chance. Of course it is wrong and forbidden – but once this appears to be the only chance…?
This is why the PES in its manifesto has the following tasks to deliver. First of all, raise awareness. For that the PES, together with PES Women and active support of (among others, including ECOSY) has in recent history two successful campaigns; on the Gender Pay Gap and on Put Children First. Secondly, setting in the 2009 manifesto good policies that will ensure that overall economic growth is translated to the improvement of working and living conditions of both genders. This is why we need in the theme New Social Europe to show us both ‘post-Lisbon age to be women-friendly era’ and the “gendered” European Social Model” (including especially the issues of health care).
And then I think… well, there is a chance that the negative trend that women, and especially young women do not vote in the European elections might be reversed! Good reasons to vote can make miracles…
The photo is from the launch of the campaign 'Put Children First' at the PES Congress in December 2006.
Chargement...
Commentaires
1. Oh no, women's magazines! par Asynjen
le jeudi 27 mars 2008 à 12h59
Womens magazines - I shouldn't get started on that topic, I can go on for hours! :-) Anyhow, probably no surprise, but this feminist blogger certainly supports gender equality as a high priority of the PES manifesto! And very positive to read that 'socialist' means being feminist within ECOSY. Does ECOSY have any feminist actions or initiatives planned for the upcoming election campaign? I think it's very important to 'push' feminist issues for the agenda of the 2009 elections.2. Media is the fourth power! par ania_skrzypek
le jeudi 27 mars 2008 à 14h44
Dear Asynjen!
Taking the point of view that media are considered the fourth power, I think that it should give us all a hint - that there are so many women magazines on so many different issues (and many of them trully practical) and still women representation in the other three powers remain very limitted and very much segregated accordingly to the gender! It is only barely 23% level of women representation in the lower chambers of the EU member states parliaments.
Indeed, PES Women together with ECOSY have a two level plan - one, making the entire PES Manifesto a gender-sensitive one with gender equality as a transversial issue, and another one - practical training.
Practical training will be composed of three sessions, during which 50 women from all the member parties and ECOSY member organizations will deepen their knowledge about EU, as also will learn practical skills on how to become a succesful candidate and run a good campaign. The project, which has been ethusiastically welcome is also designed to create a so called 'menthor system' - to bridge among women already having experiences and those keen on learning. One may say it is just 50 - indeed it is so, but we hope that the project will be inspiring enough to be both repeated and also generate multiplication.
Some people, who have less faith - say: and what is the guarantee? There is none. The participation does not guarantee places on any list - but helps to develop, both oneself, as also women capacity in the parties. And this hard work is the easiest bridge to cross over success - which is equal representation of men and women in all the parliaments, inclusing the European one. And then I hope also - that all the magazines, especially the ones on politics - will be women and women-friendly, non-discriminatory ones! ;)
For more info - please check ECOSY web site or contact directly us and/or PES Women. Project starts in June - so do not miss the chance!
Ania
3. A participation income to value the hidden contribution of all? par noelhatch
le dimanche 6 avril 2008 à 21h15
We definitely need to tackle the inequality gap between women and men, we need to put children first and put families first. Family issues are not the preserve of the conservative right or reactionary values. We need to take seriously "family friendly policies" to tackle the long-hours culture. We need full implementation of the EU Working Time Directive by every country. We also need to improve the balance between work and family life, improving family leave provision for men as well as women. This would also cover time to care for family members other than children. Employment policies need to assume that ‘normal’ workers have family responsibilities, that they are civically active and that they have non-work interests.
How about a "participation income" which would be for those that are active in employment, volunteering, learning or caring (as well as children, the elderly, people who are ill and people with disabilities)?
This would recognise that there is value in activity beyond paid employment and therefore validates other ways of spending our time, this would particularly help value and validate the hidden contribution of women to society
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