The measures for promoting women to key positions in all fields, but particularly in politics, must be sped up, President Klaus Iohannis told the international conference „Romanian women lawmakers and the promotion of gender equality as a national commitment” organized on Tuesday at the Senate under the high patronage of the President of Romania, according to Agerpres.

The head of the state said that not only do women have a major role in the family, but they also take on performing in business, liberal professions, in the associative environment or in politics, and that their engagement needs more recognition and support on grounds that a society develops and progresses when women and men enjoy equal opportunities and advantages and also share both family and professional responsibilities.

„In a mature and inclusive democracy, women must be able to exercise their political rights and be represented at the highest level, so that their voice is strong when it comes to political decisions,” Iohannis said.

He went on to point out that a broad representation of women in Parliament and in local governments is a guarantee that their rights and interests are better protected, and the needs and problems they face in their everyday life are better understood and solved in the most appropriate way.

The President cautioned that, regrettably, no notable progress has been registered in this regard in recent years, and that the number of women who hold important positions in the local or central administration is still low, which is concerning and could also be a factor of discouragement for those who want to get involved.

„It is paramount that every woman has the chance to choose, free of all constraints or barriers, the career she wants to pursue,” the head of the state said.

He also remarked that in Romania the presence of women in management positions is significantly lower compared to males and that it is important that state institutions but also political parties constantly promote women at the highest decision-making levels.

„We all want to live in a modern society, and for this we obviously need a change of perspective and mentality at the level of the general public. A modern society is one where stereotypes and prejudices related to the women’s duties and role in the family, economy and politics have been eliminated. Women must be treated equally to men in all aspects, including in private life, education or the workplace, so that the conditions are created to allow them to reach economic independence under conditions of equality. When attitudes and conceptions arising from outdated mentalities still persist in society, discriminatory behaviors are perpetuated and often ignored,” Iohannis said.

The head of the state also specified that one of the most serious consequences of gender inequality is violence against women, showing that greater efforts must be made to eliminate this societal plague. In this context, Iohannis emphasized the importance of education.

„Complementary to education, we need legislation capable of bringing us closer to the goal of gender equality in all walks of society, that protects and promote the extraordinary potential that women have. At the same time, the involvement of each of us is also needed to combat discrimination, gender stereotypes, misogynistic behavior and prejudice,” he said.

President Iohannis also spoke about the war in Ukraine, highlighting the courage and incredible strength shown by Ukrainian women during these eight months of military aggression.

Agerpres