A report negotiated by Maltese MEP Josianne Cutajar on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats, was successfully voted upon during yesterday’s meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development. This report promotes equality by focusing on Gender Mainstreaming in the EU’s Cohesion Policy.

Important achievements, which the Labour MEP worked hard to have included in this report, are:

·        A strong link between the provision of cohesion funds and the fight against discrimination against women and the LGBTIQ community;

·        A call for the EU to ratify the Istanbul Convention to prevent and combat domestic violence against women;

·        The appeal to strengthen the use of cohesion policy in order to increase female participation in business and in the use of technology, as well as careers in the sector;

·        The special attention given to women living in regions suffering from natural and permanent disadvantages, including those from remote regions and islands;

·        The importance of considering non-economic indicators in gender impact assessments such as subjective well-being of the person, elimination of gender-based violence and work-life balance.

The report also emphasises the important role that cohesion funds can play in helping vulnerable women, including those at risk of poverty, suffering from a disability or victims of violence.

In her reaction to the successful passing of this report through the REGI Committee, Dr Josianne Cutajar stated that “this success is not only for the Socialists, but for every woman and girl who faces various challenges in advancing in her life due to the environment around us and the stereotypes that exist.” She added that this report is a timely one, as it is coming at a time when the pandemic we are experiencing has further increased inequality between women and men, including in terms of unpaid care work.

Negotiations on this report were far from easy, as some of the progressive points proposed faced several obstacles, including strong opposition by certain political parties.

Cutajar thanked the colleagues who showed support for the work carried out and underlined how the work is far from over. Much work is still left to be done, both at the European and national level. The Member of Parliament pledged to continue to work relentlessly towards true, effective equality.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, the Socialists and Democrats referred to this report, which MEP Cutajar negotiated on their behalf, as establishing  strong link between the allocation of EU cohesion funds and equality and respect for women’s and LGBTIQ rights.