Parity in Parliament: Gender Equality within the Basque Government

Parity in Parliament: Gender Equality within the Basque Government

Equal representation in Basque Parliament

Equal representation in Basque Parliament

Gender equality is a subject of high debate around the world. In order to judge the progress of a country with regard to equality, we must look at how every individual within society moves forward to develop a life for herself or himself. Isn’t this what true progress is all about? If this is true progress, then the progressive Basque Country is playing their cards right.

Emakunde, the Basque Institute for Women, promotes gender equality within the Basque Country. Emakunde’s purpose is to evaluate, promote, advise and coordinate Basque equality policies. They aim to raise awareness about equality between women and men. The organization not only works hand in hand with public administration to ensure the implementation of public policies that support gender equality, but also work with civil society to promote equality amongst its citizens. Emakunde monitors policies of public institutions in the fields of health, education, economy, employment, culture, and social services to ensure they offer equal services to Basque citizens. Their work is important because they prepare legislation, keep reports on the potential outcomes, and manage several institution networks that advocate equality.

The 4/2005 Equal Opportunities Between Men and Women Act is a crucial piece of Basque Country legislation that seeks to ensure gender equality. The act dates back to the U.N.’s approval of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The 4/2005 Equal Opportunities Between Men and Women Act provides protection for women and men against unfair treatment and also introduced organizations such as Emakunde. The act addresses areas where women and men might suffer inequality. The goal of 4/2005 is to defend citizens of both genders in the public and private sector in the Spanish Autonomous Region of the Basque Country. Article 3 explains its general principles, which affects institutions, organizations, behaviors and public power. Some of these principles are equal opportunity, equal treatment, appreciation for differences, respect of gender perspective, and balanced representation and coordination. Throughout the act, there is a clear idea of the necessity and beneficial nature of gender equality. A country, region or a community must have the responsibility to provide a secure and safe environment for individuals to advance and develop their skills.

Emakunde and the 4/2005 Equal Opportunities Between Men and Women Act have greatly influenced the Basque Government. The parliament of the Basque country is composed of seventy-five deputies, who are responsible of representing the three provinces of the Basque autonomous community. The work done by institutions such as Emakunde, have helped more women integrate into the political life. As of 2015, there are thirty one elected women in parliament and forty four men. These numbers show a relatively small gap between women and men. Since the 4/2005 Equal Opportunities Between Men and Women Act was passed, there has been an increasing amount of women’s representation in government, moving from 55% women in 2006 to 58% in 2009. The Basque autonomous community has made important strides in the field of gender equality for the good of its citizens. What the future holds for this region is unknown, but the Basque country will continue developing innovative policies to tackle gender inequality.

 

Sources

http://www.emakunde.euskadi.eus/u72-home/es

http://www.legebiltzarra.eus/eu

http://basquestudies.boisestate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/The-Basque-Country.pdf

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