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WOMEN'S DAY Much has been achieved |
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4-10 March, 2004 |
I believe that equality of the sexes has not been fully gained, and it is natural that women have been trapped between the old and the new roles. At least they have attained financial and personal independence. Sixty percent of university students are female, and two women are now sitting in the Supreme Court, for the first time.
Certainly, inequalities still abound, as indicated by higher unemployment figures for women. In many cases women themselves do not pay particular attention to their careers, because in view of their bigger involvement in family care and housekeeping and their past exclusion from public life, they do not consider professional success a means of achieving their personal aims. Now however, these stereotypes are being overturned: in the 20-44 age group, women participate in the work force by a percentage of 62% - very close to the EU average (63%).
I believe that women also carry some responsibility here. They must assert their rights more dynamically. They are also entitled to a career and a vision.