Before 2025, traffic lights will feature female figures.
This was mentioned during a discussion at the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, which examined the assurance of gender equality and the related National Strategy.
Next month, it was noted, final approval is expected from an EU support mechanism to shape a gender budget of €470,000.
Specifically, the Ministry of Transport stated that before 2025, female (possibly also child) figures will be placed on traffic lights as part of the provisions of the National Strategy for Equality.
Furthermore, it was clarified that with the new bus stops, there will be abundant light in waiting areas.
From the Ministry of Finance, it was noted that the most significant of the six actions concerning their portfolio is the integration of gender into their state policies in the form of a gender budget.
“We submitted a request last October through the General Directorate of European Funding with the aim of receiving support. We have already received preliminary approval, and the final response is expected next March. The program will last for 30 months and is expected to start in June 2024 and end in late 2026,” it was said, adding that according to EU calculations, the amount will amount to €470,000.
From the Ministry of Labor, it was noted that there are five actions that need to be implemented, including increasing maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks. “The amending bill has been drafted, which we will discuss with social partners within February,” it was reported.
However, this issue sparked reactions, with the President of the Committee, Irene Charalambidou, emphasizing that parental leave should be given, so that parents can choose whether it will be the mother or the father who stays at home. She also noted that increasing maternity leave would be detrimental to women, as employers, especially multinational corporations, would target them.
However, many of the invitees seemed to support the increase in maternity leave as a significant provision, even for biological reasons.
Christos Senekis, a member of the DIKO party, even denounced that a few months ago, a working woman did not receive the promotion she deserved because she was on maternity leave.
During the discussion, other equality officers appointed in Ministries and Deputy Ministries, as well as representatives of women’s organizations and other bodies, were also positioned.
From the perspective of the Equality Commissioner, Jozie Christodoulou, it was mentioned that they aim to address stereotypes, emphasizing that one of the main actions is the gender budget.
The National Strategy, she said, was formulated following dialogue with society, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other bodies based on European and international legislation.
The aim is the horizontal integration of the gender dimension, and for this reason, each Ministry/Deputy Ministry has appointed one of its employees as an equality officer so that decisions made by the Executive Authority have an equal impact on men and women.
It was also mentioned the establishment of the Gender Equality Commissioner’s Office, clarifying that the relevant bill is undergoing legal review and will specify the terms of reference of the equality officers for their actions within the Ministries.
For the first time, she said, the National Strategy incorporates rural women, women in sports, Justice, and other aspects.
