Standing our Ground(s) in time of transition: How can the EU continue upholding diverse gender rights?
Please note that this is a hybrid event on Wednesday 15 May with the in-person session taking place in Brussels from 16:00 - 17:30 CET (15:00 - 16:30 GMT).
This event will take place at UN House, Boulevard du Régent 37-40, 1000 Brussels and will be followed by a networking reception.
Description
With the mandate of the current Commission coming to an end, this event aims to assess progress made in the last five years in advancing gender equality, women's and LGBTIQ+ rights and host a discussion on how to protect these gains.
The prohibition of discrimination and the protection of human rights are important elements of the legal order of the European Union (EU). Equality between women and men is as well one of the EU’s fundamental values and promoting it is an obligation enshrined in the Treaty. The current Commission put gender equality at the forefront of its political actions and set out an ambitious Gender Equality Strategy (GES) for 2020-2025.
From 6 to 9 June 2024, around 370 million Europeans will be called to the polls to elect the 720 members of the next European Parliament (EP). Forecasts suggest a shift to the right in many countries, with populist right parties gaining ground across the EU, and centre-left and green parties losing seats. This possible new political balance might affect progress made on women's rights and gender equality and affect the EU's gender priorities in the next electoral term. Therefore, it is crucial that policy makers do not lose sight of the importance of gender equality, diversity rights and that women are thoroughly included and represented in the electoral process, decision making process and governance.
This high-level event aims to convene experts and policymakers to discuss progress on gender equality made under the current European Commission and Parliament and to host a discussion on how to protect these gains. An open, semi-structured dialogue with invited experts from different areas of expertise and leading voices will then take place, followed by an opportunity for Q&A.
Speakers
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Irena Moozova
Deputy Director General at the DG for Justice & Consumers of the European Commission
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Mary Collins
Secretary General of the European Women’s Lobby
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Veronique Joosten
Human Rights Director at FPS Foreign Affairs, Belgium
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Gloria Mills
President of the ETUC Women’s Committee, and Head of Equality, UNISON
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Ilaria Todde
Advocacy Director at the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community
