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EU WOMEN IN POWER
Kevin Reardon / 2010-02-04 11:57:02
Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega joined the Spanish Minister of Equality, Bibiana Aido, in opening the Second European Summit "Women in Power" in Cadiz on Wednesday. They were joined by many of Europe’s most influential ladies including the Leader of the House of Commons, Harriet Harman.
This Summit, an initiative of the governments of Spain and the United Kingdom, is part of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, in which specific aims are to establish and promote new policies on equality between the sexes. Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said during her speech that "she will work for real equality in all areas of discrimination and that it should be a requirement of any democracy that it be fully achieved”.
And she noted the case of Afghanistan, a region that currently demands a special commitment from the international community. She said that recent developments have seen many new initiatives, supported by the international community, which are now seeking new ways to promote peace that are based on dialogue.
"It is absolutely necessary that we all take this path of dialogue if we are to achieve peace. There is still much work to be done, "she said.”A government like the one I represent, which has always promoted the Alliance of Civilisations, must also support this initiative. The rights of women are seriously curtailed in that part of the world, so we must adopt a united front if we are to help develop and progress Afghan society. "
She also took the opportunity to express once again the government's solidarity with the family of Private John Philip Romero and all those who have lost their lives on Afghan soil. "A country where many nations are paying a high price in human lives by supporting both its reconstruction and the defence of peace and international security". The deputy premier also highlighted the role of women faced with new challenges and problems of global society. Because "equality is a sign of a fair and balanced development."
In this respect, Europe still has work to do. "In business and employment in our countries there is still very clear resistance to positions of responsibility and decision making, and employment opportunities are lower for women than they are for men." Finally, she made special mention of the role of women in developing countries. She said that Spain had already held a meeting of “Spanish and African Women for a Better World."
Tags: European Union, Women, House Of Commons
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