Pinays in Brussels back EU bid to protect women’s rights
By RAQUEL BERNAL-CRISOSTOMO, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
In celebration of International Women’s Month, the European Commission in Brussels stressed its commitment in protecting rights of women.
In a statement published by European Union Information Society, Vice-President Jacques Barrot regrettably admitted, however, that despite the worldwide campaign to protect women from violence, it is still true that a lot of them still fall prey to abusive perpetrators.
“Despite the progress achieved in equality between the sexes and increased opportunities for women in professional and private life, it is sadly true that women all over the world still suffer serious violations of their fundamental rights through acts of violence, exploitation and abuse,” he said.
He went on to quote that “Council of Europe estimates that around 20-25% of women in Europe alone suffer physical abuses once in their adult lives and at least 10% suffer sexual violence”.
The figure according to Barrot is “highly unacceptable and the problem is still widely underestimated” which results to social and financial causes to the society.
Some alarming reports show, however, that of all the places, the home is considered one of the most dangerous places for women worldwide. Majority of female victims of violence are insulted, humiliated, beaten and even killed by people whom they trust so much----husbands or ex-partners.
With this, the EU Commission affirmed that instead of abusing, women should be treated with utmost respect at all times. Equal rights and privileges shall be given to them not to mention recognition of women’s significant contributions particularly in the fields of arts, culture, science, and even in politics.
The EU body said it is determined to use its political, legislative and financial powers and resources to help eradicate abuses against women in Europe and elsewhere, the reason why they give financial aid to NGOs that support this fight.
Pinays in Belgium consider this very timely.
Baby Van Bogaert, a Pinay married to Honorary Consul General of Belgium Peter Van Bogaert, made it clear that even at work, there should be equal rights between men and women.
“Di dapat na ina-under estimate ang mga babae di ba? Kasi lalo na kapag qualified sila. Dapat pantay ang tingin, pati na rin salaries nila, pantay din,” she said.
Mary Ann Ballesteros, member of Kababaihang Rizalista stressed that women nowadays are capable of doing jobs which were once identified only with men.
“Dito sa Europe, marami tayo makikita na driver ng bus, ng tram, ng train na actually ginagawa ng mga lalaki. Even in government offices, marami na ring mga top executives or top government officials na mga babae;” she said.
She even cited that President Arroyo and Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel are both women
In celebration of International Women’s Month, the European Commission in Brussels stressed its commitment in protecting rights of women.
In a statement published by European Union Information Society, Vice-President Jacques Barrot regrettably admitted, however, that despite the worldwide campaign to protect women from violence, it is still true that a lot of them still fall prey to abusive perpetrators.
“Despite the progress achieved in equality between the sexes and increased opportunities for women in professional and private life, it is sadly true that women all over the world still suffer serious violations of their fundamental rights through acts of violence, exploitation and abuse,” he said.
He went on to quote that “Council of Europe estimates that around 20-25% of women in Europe alone suffer physical abuses once in their adult lives and at least 10% suffer sexual violence”.
The figure according to Barrot is “highly unacceptable and the problem is still widely underestimated” which results to social and financial causes to the society.
Some alarming reports show, however, that of all the places, the home is considered one of the most dangerous places for women worldwide. Majority of female victims of violence are insulted, humiliated, beaten and even killed by people whom they trust so much----husbands or ex-partners.
With this, the EU Commission affirmed that instead of abusing, women should be treated with utmost respect at all times. Equal rights and privileges shall be given to them not to mention recognition of women’s significant contributions particularly in the fields of arts, culture, science, and even in politics.
The EU body said it is determined to use its political, legislative and financial powers and resources to help eradicate abuses against women in Europe and elsewhere, the reason why they give financial aid to NGOs that support this fight.
Pinays in Belgium consider this very timely.
Baby Van Bogaert, a Pinay married to Honorary Consul General of Belgium Peter Van Bogaert, made it clear that even at work, there should be equal rights between men and women.
“Di dapat na ina-under estimate ang mga babae di ba? Kasi lalo na kapag qualified sila. Dapat pantay ang tingin, pati na rin salaries nila, pantay din,” she said.
Mary Ann Ballesteros, member of Kababaihang Rizalista stressed that women nowadays are capable of doing jobs which were once identified only with men.
“Dito sa Europe, marami tayo makikita na driver ng bus, ng tram, ng train na actually ginagawa ng mga lalaki. Even in government offices, marami na ring mga top executives or top government officials na mga babae;” she said.
She even cited that President Arroyo and Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel are both women
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