International Women's Day

International Women’s Day is about equality between men and women, boys and girls. It is about equal rights. We can celebrate what has already been achieved but we have also to acknowledge the shortcomings and wrongs.

It is an ongoing struggle. In many societies, there is still a long road ahead. It must be walked without further delays. A nation that leaves behind the women does not belong to today’s times. It must catch up.

In our part of the world, it is more about attitudes that have yet to change, it is about implementing what we know it is right, transforming into reality the nice words we pronounce.

In both cases, and in very practical terms, it all begins with education and putting an end to all types of violence practised against women and girls. 

The best way to move forward is to have women in positions of power, including political and economic power. I know that men in leading roles can also fight for women’s rights. We have several cases we could mention. But in my own experience, I have learned that it is much better, more impactful, to have those leading roles taken up by women.

Supporting the women fighting discrimination and racism

Today, it is imperative to share a word of support for the US Congresswomen, Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.

This is not about interfering with the internal politics of their country. It is about supporting women that fight for the right to represent their constituencies, for equality and the values that are the foundation of the free and just world that we believe in. It is also about their dignity and a serious expression of our appreciation for their courage.

At the same time, we say no to racism and ethnically based violence. 

They are under very serious pressure, coming from one of the most powerful men in the world. But, in the end, in America and many other countries, right will prevail over might.

Women's Rights

The International Women’s Day is above all about the rights of women and girls, their full recognition and the equality of opportunities and rewards between both genders. It can be said with flowers, and nice words, but the important point is very clear: this is a struggle that is far from being won. It must be fought every day, as well as on this special calendar date. It is, in many ways and for extremely important reasons, the most important task of our times.

Time to ponder about our relations with Saudi Arabia

The inauguration of a new King in Saudi Arabia should be taken as a chance to review the relations between Europe and that country. There are many dimensions of Saudi politics that are far away from our values. Without advocating any type of meddling in the internal affairs of the Kingdom, we should however show some distance and disapproval for anything that does not respect the internationally accepted convention on human rights, including the rights of the women and the freedom of religious practice.

We surrender moral authority every time we are perceived as weak and give room for accusations of double standards.

We gain when we frank with our allies. And we can be frank and still be diplomatic in our approach. 

Women's rights

On this International Women’s Day one should recall that the percentage of women in leadership positions is still very low, even in most of the European countries. Company boards, police and defence top echelons, media and many other senior jobs continue to be male dominated. But nowhere that is truer than in the political sphere. Most of political parties give little space to women leaders. That’s why I am a strong advocate of the quota system, imposing an acceptable minimum level of women to occupy effective decision-making positions.

Interestingly, many political leaders who like to see themselves as examples of progressive politics oppose the quota system. They cannot understand that the change has many avenues and one of them is through legal means. They also fail to grasp that true equality requires a much stronger participation of women in active politics. Without proper representation women will never be able to fully fight for their rights and for the right policies. 

Afghan women and human rights

Afghan woman leaders are very worried about the country’s situation post-2014. They have very little or no information about the on-going secret dialogue that is gradually taking place between the Karzai people and the Taleban leaders and they fear that the priority that is given to peace at any cost will have a very heavy cost as far as women’s rights are concerned. They believe that there is a trade-off on the table that will buy the Taleban in and will place the women out…

The women are also very surprised that the big partners of Afghanistan seem more interested in “sustaining” peace – a way of showing that the many years of military intervention have achieved durable results and that the operational assistance was therefore worth the sacrifice and the money – than on protecting the human rights gains.

These are very legitimate concerns. They are even more justified when one looks at President Karzai’s increasing silence about women's issues. 

Obama's great speech

President Obama’s speech on the State of the Union is inspired by a progressive outlook and modernity. It is highly advisable to read it carefully. It is a great lesson on politics and public speech. The style is direct and conversational. It has a strong human touch, with several references to real people. And above all, it proposes a number of directions and this is the trademark of a leader: to set the ambition!

Its references to clean cars that will move on alternative fuels, not on oil, to women’s rights and full empowerment, to the need to stop the violence against women,  and also the observations about development co-operation are remarkable paragraphs in a statement that is full of extraordinary reflections.  

Just another woman

Copyright V. Angelo

Karme', small town in the middle of a drought-stricken plain, the Sunday market brings people together and gives them a sense of belonging.

Later in the day, one goes back to one's isolation, taking the roads the cattle and the small ruminants borrow, in search of water and grass.