Integration of Gender Equality in Regional Development, European Employment Commission.

Certainly, the green slogan “think globally-act locally” is familiar to you. This slogan becomes relevant again with “globalization,” as the mobility of investments, the use of new technologies, and the knowledge and information society not only do not oppose local action, but rather encourage the emergence of the local and regional dimension of development. In recent years, the developmental role and content of Local Government in our country has been significantly upgraded. With the establishment of the second level of self-government and the Kapodistrias reform, it gained more elements of general policy, resources, responsibilities, and authority.

I need to emphasize from the outset that when we talk about local development, we are not referring exclusively to economic development, that is, to the utilization of local capabilities for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Local development can be defined as a potential process that emphasizes the common needs and values of human coexistence. In this effort, local actors play an important role, both due to their proximity to the actual conditions and problems faced by each place or region and due to their better knowledge of the means to address them.

At this point, I would like to emphasize the developmental dimension of gender equality and the importance of integrating the gender perspective in Regional and Local Development. Since we define development, among other things, as investments in human resources to build a better future, it is certain that this development cannot be achieved without half of the population.

The role of women in development, both in the developed and developing world, has been at the center of attention in recent years. In 1995, the Action Program adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing emphasized the crucial role of women in development and peace, while simultaneously urging governments to invest in women and to enhance women’s participation in all sectors in order to accelerate development.

From the experience gained so far in the implementation of development strategies and programs, I would like to highlight two points that I believe are very important for creating the framework within which any analysis of the role of women in development can be placed.

First: It is essential to note that the term development is not synonymous with economic growth (expansion). Development has a human and social dimension that often is missing from analyses, and it is this dimension that I would like to emphasize. Economic growth is no longer considered a sufficient condition for development. However, it remains a critical factor, along with specific structural measures (privatizations, export-oriented production, etc.), which are believed to accelerate development.

The idea of sustainable and human development does not seem to inspire new approaches to development that are guided by the rules of the market and economic growth. Therefore, human development conceptually remains problematic. The limited resources allocated for social services are symptomatic of contemporary development trends and adjustments. Deforestation and soil erosion are also increasing as a result of pressures for the export of agricultural products.

Despite the difficulties in understanding and measuring development, I think we could all agree that development should aim at improving the quality of life for the vast majority of the population. Therefore, it is clear that the exclusion of women from life opportunities and the perpetuation of gender inequalities hinder the development process. Since women make up half of the population, their progress should be considered the cornerstone of development.

“Educate a woman and you will educate a family,” says an old Mexican slogan. That is why the European Union, in its collaborations and agreements with third countries (Cotonou), always includes clauses for the promotion of women’s rights. Moreover, it has been established that funding that reaches the hands of women truly makes a difference and contributes to local development (World Bank Reports, etc.).

Second: I believe that any analysis of the role of gender in development should consider not women individually, but primarily the relationships and distribution of roles and power between men and women. Experience has shown that when women are examined in isolation, they can easily become marginalized from the broader development process. Therefore, we use the term gender, particularly focusing on gender relations. The gap that still exists between men and women regarding the distribution of resources and power persists. Despite the sensitivity to equality found in all official documents, women remain sidelined from decisions regarding development, truly as observers of political decisions influenced by patriarchal structures and values.

However, infrastructure in health, education, and social welfare, care and support for socially marginalized individuals, protection of the human and natural environment, and other issues that pertain to improving quality of life and are essential parameters of a country’s sustainable development can receive particular promotion if a “critical mass” of women participates in planning and decision-making processes.

Certainly, Greece cannot remain outside of these processes. Moreover, we still hold a negative record in Europe regarding the participation and representation of women in democratic institutions and political decision-making centers. This has led to policies that ignore the gender dimension and contribute to the perpetuation of gender divisions in the labor market.

Throughout the territory of the European Union, there are significant disparities in the professional employment of both genders. The unemployment rate for women exceeds that of men by 3 percentage points, while the employment rate for women remains 18.2% lower than that of men. Additionally, the average earnings of women cover only 77% of men’s wages.

Therefore, it is necessary to promote measures, particularly at the local and regional level, for a more balanced participation of women in professional activity, taking into account the new environment created by rapid technological change. Commissioner Ms. Diamantopoulou has repeatedly urged the councils of ministers to effectively promote measures for ensuring equal pay and equal treatment.

In Lisbon, ambitious goals were set. The mainstreaming policy has been adopted, but it faces difficulties in practical implementation, meaning the gender dimension needs to be included at all levels of planning and decision-making. The report from the European Parliament that we voted on yesterday regarding the Lisbon process, in light of the Barcelona European Council, particularly emphasizes the need to accelerate the employment strategy, with special attention to women.

In conclusion: What are the key parameters for integrating the gender dimension into development? According to international consensus, there are three categories:

A. Goals of sustainable development:
– Protection of the environment
– Economic prosperity
– Social justice
– Balance among the three aforementioned factors

The ultimate goal is the mainstreaming of the gender dimension in all policies and programs.

B. Issues that form the framework for achieving gender equality in development.
– Women’s human rights and control over their own lives
– Combating poverty
– Women’s access to resources and services
– Women’s management of resources
– Globalization
– Development financing
– Women’s health and reproductive health

C. Strategies
– Full and equal participation of women (gender balance) in shaping all policies and decision-making
– Awareness campaigns, educational and training programs for both men and women, sensitization programs, guidelines for implementing mainstreaming, etc.
– Institutional mechanisms for empowering women and promoting equality
– Gender-disaggregated statistics and information—surveys
– Exchange of good practices and strategies at local, national, and international levels.