Modern Ukrainian society gradually began to lose sight of stereotypes, and the woman-driver or the director of a powerful enterprise feels much less surprising questions like “why it is for you,” because the economic, public benefit of gender equality is obvious. That is why the First Ukrainian Women’s Congress gathered more than three hundred politicians and politicians, civic activists and activists, among them there were also representatives of the NGO “Zhytomyr, Voice Up!”
November 22-23, MFO “Equal Opportunities” was the organizer of the Women’s Congress, which discussed the development models of Ukrainian society by addressing gender inequality. Members of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ukrainian and foreign parliamentarians, representatives of local self-government bodies, international experts – all understand the need for a gender perspective in solving urgent problems.
Increasing women’s participation in political and public life, involving women in peacekeeping and the state security sector, combating the causes of gender violence, overcoming stereotyped gender thinking, and promoting gender education – these are panel discussions.
Expressed his own assessment of the gender situation and the Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groisman: “The structure of the Ukrainian parliament on gender equality has changed a bit, but this is not enough. I had to work with women’s teams: this is a completely different level of responsibility, competence, perseverance. Even such a modest percentage – 12% of women’s representation in the Ukrainian parliament are offset by their energy. ”
The opinions of many speakers were in line with the position of the members of the NGO “Zhytomyr! Voice Up!” The words of Drey Button, a public leader in the city of Weyburn (Canada), were very relevant: “On the whole, women do not come to political leadership because they want power, but because they want to help communities, they teach, promote, helping everyone around. ”
Speeches of prominent speakers, exchange of experience, inspirational meetings – all expectations have come true! And finally, the good news is: Madeleine Albright, a woman legend, US Secretary of State in 1997-2001, congratulated the participants on the successful launch of the event.
Translated by Aliona Matushevich