8 MARCH: WHAT EQUALITY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT (TO VIMA)
8 MARCH: WHAT EQUALITY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
Newspaper “TO VIMA”, March 8, 2007
Every year, March 8 is dedicated to women around the world, to assess the progress that has been made in the matter of gender equality. It is a fact that many things have changed in the lives of women over the last hundred years, since then – the early 20th century – when a few (very few), “graphic,” pioneering women in thought and action were claiming, amid ridicule and abuse, the right to vote. This right was fully recognized in Greece in 1952 (in Turkey in 1934).
Since then, the feminist movement has not ceased to fight to prove the obvious, namely, that men and women are human beings with equal value, with equal rights and obligations, and should share fairly the responsibilities, burdens, and joys of public and private life. However, the obvious continues to provoke conflicts, Homeric quarrels, family dramas, reactions from the guardians of patriarchy, recourse to violence, and even “honor” crimes in Greece in 2007, from those who base their self-esteem, “honor,” and “reputation” on their wife’s sexual preferences (the Bartholomew case).
Without a doubt, some are stuck in the past and perhaps long for the good old days when a woman was an object, a vessel of pleasure, and a breeding machine. They may even be nostalgic for the not-so-distant time when they would throw women who showed interest in science and the arts, or expressed feminist concerns, alive onto the pyre. After all, in our neighborhood, to the east and south, not so far from us, they still stone “disobedient” women to death. At the same time, human trafficking is emerging as the most profitable business of our time. Such is the demand for paid love! So, what equality are we talking about?
The Treaty of Rome, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in a few days, has referred since 1957 to equal pay for equal work. Directives for the equality of men and women have been Community Legislation since the mid-1970s. However, the prohibition of discrimination has not eliminated the gender pay gap, pensions, social security, participation in public office and decision-making, the provision of care services for children and the elderly, and the enforcement of equality legislation. These gaps remain as a result of structures and mentalities built over the centuries and outdated traditions that resist change and progress. So what do we do?
Recently, we discern some light at the end of the neoliberal tunnel. Prominent economists (Francis Fukuyama), experts, and reputable magazines (The Economist) have suddenly discovered that what we have been advocating for so many years has economic interest and benefits the market! Thus, in Europe and elsewhere, old demands and claims of women’s organizations, such as childcare and kindergartens, the enhancement of employment, and women’s independence, have been adopted as issues that strengthen the competitiveness of the economy. Rejoice! The Lisbon Strategy, which aspires to make the economy of the European Union the strongest and most competitive in the world, has set a target quota for female employment at 60% for member states by 2010. Currently, only Sweden meets this target, with Greece around 40%. The European Council of Barcelona (2002) also set a clear timeline: By 2010, childcare services must cover 33% of children aged 0-3 years (Greece is below 10%) and 90% of children aged 3-6 years. Even a “Roadmap 2006-2010” for achieving equality was approved by the EU authorities. What is really happening?
The European Union today (and of course Greece) is faced with a shrinking workforce, low birth rates, and an aging population. Market experts have calculated that facilitating women’s access to the labor market and creating conditions for balancing professional and personal life can contribute to strengthening the productivity of the economy through better utilization of human resources. Indeed, research and cost-benefit analyses from the International Labour Organization have shown that the medium-term gains from investments in child care far exceed the short-term costs. It is estimated that for every 100 jobs filled by women, an additional 10 jobs are created in the service sector. In any case, PASOK, in the spirit of the times, included kindergartens among the “big projects” of its program, while actively and vigorously participating in the campaign of the European Socialist Party for “more and better care for children.”
At the same time, of course, the demographic issue is also addressed, as EU countries with a satisfactory care services system also have the highest fertility rates (again the good example of Sweden). However, it seems that long-standing demands of feminists are also being partially met, such as: strengthening women’s economic independence and self-determination, closing the income gap, the well-being of children and their education through quality care and education programs, limiting stereotypes and prejudices, improving the quality of life for workers and those continuing their studies, and consequently promoting a fairer distribution of responsibilities in the private and public spheres between men and women. Many years and see you next year on March 8!..
Anna Karamanou
Vice President of Women of the European Socialist Party,
Secretary of the Association of Former European Parliament Members