LSAP MP Dan Biancalana had requested the debate. Topics included stereotypes, career aspirations and women in key positions. All of which have been repeatedly raised for years.
After nearly half an hour on the topic of gender equality, Chantal Gary was the first female politician to speak.
The MP from déi gréng raised the issue of missing places in women’s and men’s shelters. Victims of sexual violence and abuse are overwhelmingly women. Chantal Gary cited statistics:
“It is estimated that one in three women are victoms of violence in the course of their lives. We can assume that domestic violence increased during the pandemic. Another shocking number: police are called to an average of two cases of domestic violence in Luxembourg. In a recent study by the OGBL, 46% of respondents said they’ve been a victim of sexism [in the workplace], and 19% of sexual harassment.”
Career choices are another sore point, showing that there are still typically male, or typically female jobs. An issue ADR MP Jeff Engelen refused to acknowledge.
Women being categorically excluded in some areas, such as religion, is unacceptable to Pirate MP Marc Goergen:
“I simply cannot accept how religions and the Catholic Church treat women. We are living in a society that says women cannot become priests. And talking about it or even suggesting to change it remains a taboo.”
The rights of women should also be a topic of foreign policy, if they are not respected in partner countries.
The problems should be tackled by their roots, said Minister for Equality Taina Bofferding during her speech, which is why she wants to fight stereotypes, above all.
“The problem with stereotypes, clichés and prejudices is that they are often unfair, lead to unfair judgment and, above all, they are limiting.”
Remote work is not a solution for integrating work and family. This often puts the burden on women, who end up with two jobs. It isn’t enough to raise these issues on International Women’s Day, but they should remain at the forefront throughout the year, said Bofferding.
