Women's Day, which is celebrated on 8 March each year, was established to highlight the multi-dimensional role of women in shaping history and to remind us that no matter how many steps have already been taken towards (self-evident) gender equality, there is still much that needs to be done to bring about cultural change and practical gender equality.
It is claimed that on March 8, 1857, women workers in the New York textile industry went on strike and demonstrated demanding an improvement in inhumane working conditions, a reduction in their working hours and equal pay with men. Since then, March 8 has been a date inextricably linked to the history and struggles of the women's and labor movements.
International Women's Day is celebrated this year under the theme "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow" recognizing the contributions of women worldwide who are leading the way in climate change adaptation, mitigation and response to build a more sustainable future for all of us. Nevertheless, the particularly important Women's Day is being celebrated under conditions of war and uncertainty. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in his report on this day, emphasized women experiencing war, such as in Ukraine, Ethiopia and Afghanistan, as the "most vulnerable."
The pandemic of the last two years, which is still ongoing, is a painful experience for everyone and exacerbates, among other things, the problems facing women today. However, the leadership role of women is becoming more critical than ever during the pandemic crisis we are experiencing globally, as the heroism of women health and social care workers is proving to be a catalyst.
Unfortunately, it can be seen that the pandemic has also brought a sharp increase in gender-based violence. Many women, due to measures to restrict movement and social contact, were trapped at home with their abusers. Domestic violence, a phenomenon with political, social, cultural and economic implications, became more widespread. On the other hand, the #MeToo movement was gigantic, highlighting the extent of the sexism and abuse that women continue to face and empowering them to finally speak openly about their traumatic experiences and seek justice. Cyprus is constantly alert to this phenomenon and has demonstrated this with recent legislation on violence against women harmonised with the Istanbul Convention, addressing all forms of violence against women and girls, criminalising sexism, criminalising stalking and improving the legal framework for equal treatment of men and women at work with stricter penalties. With a view to protecting victims, the Women's House is also a pioneering achievement in the whole effort to support women.
Regarding gender equality in employment, and based on data recently released by the Statistical Service:
- the labour force in Cyprus increased by 4.4% year-on-year, reaching 472,314 people or 64.6% of the population in the third quarter of 2021, compared to 452.154 persons (62.9%) in the corresponding quarter of 2020.
- Specifically, the number of employed persons was 440,959 persons and the employment rate was 60.3% (men 66.3%, women 54.8%) compared to 414,920 persons (57.7%) in the corresponding quarter of 2020.
- The number of unemployed persons amounted to 31.355 persons and the unemployment rate was 6.6% of the labour force (men 6.1%, women 7.2%) compared to 37,234 persons (8.2%) in the corresponding quarter of 2020. The rate for men was 83.2% and for women 71.5%. In the corresponding quarter of 2020, the rate was 74.5% (men 81.4%, women 68.0%).
- Part-time employment accounted for 11.0% of total employment or 48,482 persons (men 9.4%, women 12.7%). The corresponding figure for Q3 2020 was 10.2% (men 7.9%, women 13.0%).
- Among young people aged 15-24, the unemployment rate was 14.5% of the labour force of these ages (men14.1%, women 14.9%) compared to 20.4% (men 30.2%, women 10.8%) in the same quarter last year.
Today, more than ever, we recognise the need for fair and decent work as a common factor for progress, solidarity and recovery. Gender equality is at the heart of this project.
It is therefore urgent to integrate a gender perspective into our analyses of the pandemic and our transition to the recovery phase. Gender equality is linked to policies that take into account the different experiences of women and men, as well as their different needs and women's need to reconcile family and professional life.
The struggle for the effective participation and representation of women and men in all areas of social and labour activity is part of our daily efforts and will certainly not end in a day. And progress on these issues reflects the level of each country and society that wants to move forward to respect human rights.
And beyond the institutional guarantee of equality, in democratic regimes, there is a need for daily reinforcement, affirmation and continuous education. Because the culture of the different status of women must be changed and stereotypes must be broken. And this is the responsibility of all of us!
The Commission for Gender Equality in Employment and Vocational Training will continue to stand by all workers regardless of gender, age, etc. and inform them both about their rights and support them in claiming and vindicating them when they suffer gender discrimination in access to employment, promotion, transfer, dismissal, harassment and sexual harassment, maternity protection, etc.
Workers who experience gender discrimination in employment are invited to contact the Commission on telephone number 22 600920, e-mail genderequalitycommittee@mlsi.gov.cy and website www.eif.gov.cy.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source[/P]
