Full Minutes of the Meetings

SESSION OF MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2004

The situation of women

Κaramanou (PSE), Deputy Rapporteur . – Mr. President, Madam Commissioner, it is an honor for me to present the very important report on the situation of women belonging to minority groups in the European Union, on behalf of the rapporteur, Ms. Elena Valenciano, who is unable to attend today’s session.

The report addresses three minority groups: women with disabilities, migrant women, and Roma women, and focuses on the issue of the veil of silence that covers their situation. These women remain in the shadows, as they are hidden behind the male members of their group. In order for the analysis to be more accurate, the rapporteur proposes various actions for the minority groups mentioned in the report, such as the development of statistics and the conduct of specific studies, the participation of these women in decision-making processes, access to information, training, and education, and the protection of their sexual and reproductive health.

The rapporteur thanks the organizations of these three minorities for their support of women as well as for the good cooperation they had in drafting this report.

Firstly, regarding women with disabilities, there are 44,600,000 people with disabilities in the European Union, a figure that corresponds to 15.7% of European citizens and is expected to rise to 25% with the enlargement of the European Union. It is estimated that women make up 51% of the total population with disabilities. However, there is evidence to suggest that this percentage may increase by 2015, reaching 53% and possibly even 58%. Compared to 55% of able-bodied working women, only 25% of women with disabilities are employed. The jobs they perform are usually of low status, poorly paid, and with fewer benefits than those enjoyed by men with disabilities. The problem is that there is no career guidance designed to meet the specific needs of women with disabilities. Violence is not only a frequent phenomenon in the lives of these women, but in many cases, it is the very cause of their disability. It is estimated that violence is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide for women aged 16 to 45, surpassing cancer, road accidents, and even war.

Secondly, regarding migrant women, according to the overall data from the UN, since 1990 (unfortunately, we do not have more recent data), there have been 12 million migrant women in Europe. This number continues to increase, although precise figures are not available. Poverty and social instability are central factors in the lives of these women. Difficulties in accessing the labor market due to cultural and language barriers, the lack of recognition of their professional qualifications, stereotypes and prejudices, racism, and indifference to their rights limit migrant women to the lower levels of the labor market or the informal economy, or make them dependent on men for their survival. Many of these women remain at home, working as housewives and cleaners, clinging to the traditional female role, resulting in social isolation and lack of access to basic social services, as well as marginalization in the process of social mobility, a situation that has a cascading effect on social exclusion. The closing of borders and restrictions on migration increase the role and profits of informal networks and mafia-like networks involved in human trafficking. In the case of women who are victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, the issuance of temporary residence permits should be encouraged.

Regarding Roma women, there are approximately 8 to 10 million Roma in Europe, although the traditionally nomadic nature of this community makes the available data unreliable. Therefore, these figures should be viewed with great caution. The population census places Roma women at 51%, a percentage similar to the general percentage of women. There is a high birth rate among these populations, as well as high rates of child and adult mortality. Women typically marry at a very young age and give birth to their first child earlier than women from other ethnic groups. The life expectancy is 13 to 17 years shorter for Roma (both men and women) compared to the rest of the population. The high birth rates, combined with high mortality rates, create an exceptionally young population of Roma. 80% are under the age of 34, while 43% are under 14 years old.

On the occasion of today’s International Women’s Day, Mr. President, let us decide to direct our gaze and thoughts, as well as take specific action that will address these women who belong to minority groups within the European Union.