Women’s role in regional development

Today is the first day of spring but there is even another important occasion to celebrate: 21st March is the Mediterranean day.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), on the occasion of its 3rd Plenary Session, in 2008, in Monaco, had officially established, by consensus and on a proposal by the Italian Parliament, the celebration of the “Mediterranean Day” on the 21st of March of each year.

The Assembly considers this occasion an important opportunity to give greater impetus to cultural integration and cooperation in our region. The theme of this year is “Women’s role in regional development”, and we are pleased to say that “gender equality and the role of women in society” have been among the priority issues within the framework of the PAM 3rd Standing Committee, since the very beginning of the debates among the Mediterranean parliamentarians.

In addition to our focusing on issues related to the problems created by gender inequality, today we also want to celebrate female entrepreneurship, and initiatives of women and their strengths. Women have traditionally been the pillars of the family microcosm and an important resource for the society. It’s therefore necessary to celebrate women’s role to the fullest.

PAM has long been promoting the parliamentary debate on a national, regional and international level, and has made various proposals to both the United Nations General Assembly and national parliaments through its Reports and Resolutions, dedicated to such issues, among which: women’s participation in the political and economic sectors, violence against women, women refugees and immigration, education and youth, job creation, domestic violence, as well as the global fight against genital mutilation. Earlier this year, in view of the five resolutions on the advancement of women passed unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in mid December 2012, PAM reiterated its commitment to dedicate further efforts towards the respect of women’s fundamental rights.