The meeting addressed the diparities in labor and compensation, the burden of unpaid domestic tasks, gender-based violence, and the circumstances of vulnerability faced by ceratin some women and girls
Havana, Dec 6 (RHC) Cuba participated in Chile in the meeting of the board of directors of the Regional Conference on Women, which committed to strengthening the institutional framework for advancing gender equality, a critical issue in Latin America today.
In statements to the Cuban media, Yaneidys Pérez, a representative of the national secretariat of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), said that the meeting addressed pressing issues such as the disparities in labor and compensation, the burden of unpaid domestic tasks, gender-based violence, and the circumstances of vulnerability faced by certain women and girls.
The event at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) was held with the aim of assessing the advancement of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is set to mark its 30th anniversary in 2025. It is the most comprehensive and visionary program to achieve equity, the empowerment of women and the realization of their human rights.
In the context of Cuba, the FMC leader emphasized that Article 43 of the Constitution establishes a legal foundation for the advancement of women. The state actively promotes their holistic development and social engagement, safeguards their sexual and reproductive rights, and protects them from gender-based violence.
She regarded the adoption of the Women's Advancement Program in 2021 as a significant milestone on the journey towards full equality and empowerment.
Concerning the implementation of the objectives set forth in the Beijing Declaration, she highlighted the adoption of the Protocol on combating discrimination, harassment, and violence in the workplace, as well as the modification of the Criminal Code to enhance the penalties for perpetrators of gender-based violence.
Pérez also mentioned the changes to the Maternity Act, which aim to enhance family involvement and provide for up to 15 months of paid leave after childbirth.
The meeting, held on December 4 and 5, was attended by 27 government delegations, 17 from Latin America, six from the Caribbean, plus Spain, the United States, Canada and Norway.
Representatives of 10 agencies of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental and cooperation entities were also present, as well as more than 200 delegates from civil society. (Source: Prensa Latina)
