Human Rights Council 53rd session
Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women
Panel 2 - Social protection: women’s participation and leadership
Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden)
30 June 2023
Thank you, Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Latvia, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.
Gender stereotypes, harmful and discriminatory social norms continue to impact women and girls’ rights across the world. In addition to the increased negative impact on women and girls of armed conflicts, pandemics and climate crises, women and girls – in all their diversity – continue to experience structural gender-based discrimination in education, formal and informal employment due to pregnancy and caring responsibilities.
The position of women in the labour market is still less favourable than that of men. They continue to face gender pay gaps, precarious employment, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual harassment in the workplace. It accumulates gender discrimination throughout their life-course, makes it harder for women to access contributory social security, and feminizes poverty.
Full, equal, inclusive, and meaningful participation and leadership of all women and girls, including women with disabilities and women in vulnerable situations, in decision-making is crucial for their full enjoyment of all human rights. Empowering women and girls and closing the gender gap in the world of work is also key to achieving the 2030 Agenda. However, this is not possible without increased efforts in reforming social protection policies, such as ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights, accessible childcare services, parental leave, and work life balance.
Dear panellists,
How would you recommend expanding and strengthening social protection to make it gender transformative?
I thank you.