“Although we have made meaningful progress in recent decades, true gender equality remains an unfinished business”, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, told the Cyprus News Agency in a written interview on the occasion of a recent seminar in Brussels focusing on the challenges of upholding women rights in defence, security and peace building, ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th.
President Metsola outlined the steps that have been taken by the European Union and particularly the European Parliament, mentioned that the gender pay gap in Cyprus stands at around 10%, and spoke of the difficulties and the “relentless scrutiny” women in politics face.
She also spoke of the efforts made by the EP for abortion to be included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, commented on the effects that new US policies towards supporting global civil society could have and how the EU could step in to fill the gap.
The President of the European Parliament responded also to questions on the increase of far right voices in the pan-European legislative body, and spoke of her visit to the Gaza Strip and the need to protect vulnerable groups, particulary women, on both sides.
Finally, Metsola said that on March 11th, the European Parliament will pay tribute in Strasbourg to courageous women across Europe, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The honoured women are Belarusian opposition leader, Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian political activist Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, Crimean Tatar and released political prisoner Lenie Umerova, and Tata Kepler, medical volunteer on Ukrainian frontlines.
The gap remains
Regarding the inequality and the barriers that women continue to face in their proffesional and personal lives, as well as in politics, President Metsola noted that “centuries of discrimination have left a lasting gender gap in our culture, economies, and political systems”.
“Although we have made meaningful progress in recent decades, true gender equality remains an unfinished business. The European Parliament has taken decisive measures in recent years to promote gender equality and build a fairer, more inclusive society for all” she added.
Metsola brought up as an example the agreement, after almost ten years of negotiations, on the Women on Boards Directive, which she said is “an essential step to increase the representation of women in senior company positions”, adding that “we have advanced pay transparency measures to tackle the gender pay gap and ensure fair pay for women in the workforce”.
Noting that “the gender pay gap in Cyprus stands at around 10 percent”, which corresponds to “one month of unpaid work every year”, she stressed that “this has to change”.
At the same time, “new EU rules on work-life balance for parents and carers are set to provide more equal opportunities for women and men both at work and at home” she continued, admitting however that “there is still much to be done”.
“This legislative term, we remain committed to building on this to ensure that women and girls truly have an equal place in both public and private life” she added.
Speaking more specifically on the role of women in European politics and their continued lack of fair and sufficient representation, Metsola ascribed the phenomenon to “multiple interconnected reasons”.
“Society does not make it necessarily easy for women to make that decision. Women, especially those in the public eye, face relentless scrutiny. Every aspect of your life is scrutinised. From the way you dress, to the way you conduct yourself and the life choices you make. This constant scrutiny can be incredibly taxing, a weight that men rarely experience to the same degree” she explained.
“We like to think we have come far, but traditional gender roles and ingrained biases still cast a long shadow” she noted, referring to the question of how to balance family with career aspirations.
“It is a tightrope walk, and as a woman myself, I know how much more you have to fight for recognition and advancement. Would you for example have asked the same question to a male colleague?” she stressed.
“This is precisely why I have made it my mission to challenge these stereotypes and empower more women to pursue their ambitions without hesitation. If you believe in something, then go for it. Be passionate, be persistent and never ever let somebody tell you that you are not enough. Your voice, your perspective, your leadership matter” she underlined.
Right to abortion
Responding to a question on abortions and the obstacles faced by women towards exercising their right to a safe termination of pregnancy, as well as how the European Parliament can convince member states to take concrete steps, Metsola recalled that the EP “has a long record of championing women’s rights”.
“As elected President, I uphold the European Parliament’s position. Last April, Members adopted a resolution calling for abortion to be included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union” she noted.
“While Parliament’s vote signifies a strong commitment to reproductive rights at the EU level, divergent positions among Member States make a unanimous agreement unlikely at this stage” she said however. And added that “what is certain is that Parliament will continue to advocate and push for real progress across Europe”.
The US and human rights
Called upon to comment on the effects that the new American government’s policies to withdraw support to NGOs and human rights organisations through USAID, President Metsola said this is a concerning development, and pointed out the way the EU can fill the gap.
“Whilst it is the US administration’s prerogative to determine their foreign aid priorities, cutting USAID spending is very concerning as it means less funding for crucial organisations and projects” she said.
“Such cuts will affect reproductive health and family planning programmes, as well as funding for gender equality and women’s empowerment programs” she continued.
“This can only mean that if the United States steps back, others – including the EU – must step forward” she stressed.
President Metsola recalled that the EU and its member states “are committed to strengthening women’s rights worldwide” and that “as the largest provider of development aid, we are putting our money where our mouth is, ensuring that organisations and programs supporting women’s rights, human rights, education, and other vital areas receive the funding they need”.
“But we can’t do it alone, this will require a united global effort”, the President underlined.
Rise of the far right
Commenting on the rise of the far right in European societies and the Parliament itself, and asked how women’s rights, including on abortion, are affected, Metsola said that “we are witnessing a shift, not only on national level, but also in the European Parliament”.
“The last European elections brought a new reality; majorities have changed but the pro-European centre held and still does. Just look at the continued unwavering support for Ukraine as we enter the fourth year of Russian war against the country” she continued.
At this point, the President mentioned “the courageous women across Europe” that will be honoured by the European Parliament in Strasbourg on March 11th. The women that will honoured will be Belarusian opposition leader, Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian political activist Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, Crimean Tatar and released political prisoner Lenie Umerova, and Tata Kepler, medical volunteer on Ukrainian frontlines.
“Women, who embody the spirit of freedom and defiance, and who have fearlessly fought – and continue to do so – for democracy in their country and beyond”, Metsola stressed.
“You might have diverging positions on a range of different topics. But the European Parliament is and remains the place where we debate, where we discuss and where we ultimately find compromises. This is at the heart of every democracy” she explained. Adding that “I will continue to play my part in ensuring that together, we continue to advance Europe and strengthen women’s rights. Something I have championed my entire career”.
Visit to Gaza
Regarding her recent visit to the Gaza Strip, the first by an EU leader in the war torn area, responding on how the international community can protect particularly vulnerable groups, especially women that are being displaced or threatened with sexual violence, Metsola said that she “witnessed first-hand the crucial role Europe plays in getting life-saving aid to those in need”.
“It was incredibly moving to see the difference this support makes on the ground and I am very proud of the part Europe is playing” she said, pointing to the amount of nearly half a billion euros in humanitarian aid that the EU has provided since the start of the crisis.
“The work of our EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point is particularly remarkable. They are not just facilitating the entry of aid but also helping to evacuate wounded and sick Palestinians, including women and children, offering a lifeline in a desperate situation” she explained.
“This crisis underscores the urgent need for international action. Following the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7, we saw shocking scenes of brutal violence committed against civilians, particularly women and children, in both Israel and Gaza”, she stressed.
“The international community must step up its efforts to ensure that these most vulnerable groups are protected, including through humanitarian aid, support for local organisations working on the ground, protection of civilians, and accountability for perpetrators of this violence” according to President Metsola.