Between 25th November-10th December is celebrated the “16 days of activism against gender-based violence. On this occasion, the Equal Opportunities between Women and Men Commission, along with French Institute has organized at the Palace of Parliament a round table “Domestic Violence versus Equal Opportunities between Women and Men. Law Enforcement and Good Practices“.

In the opening of the event, the Equal Opportunities between Women and Men Commission’s President, Ms. Cristina-Ionela Iurișniți presented the main obstacles Romania is facing regarding the implementation of equal opportunities between women and men. Among the key speakers were politicians, civil society members and Academia representatives.

 In the first session, the State Secretary of Equal Opportunities between Women and Men National Agency, Ms. Monaliza Cîrstea presented the current state of law implementation regarding domestic violence. After, Dina Loghin, the Vice-President of Romanian Women’s Lobby had an intervention on the importance of gender budgeting in Romania. Another presentation was given by State Secretary of Council for Equality between Women and Men in France, on gender mainstreaming.

Our colleague, Simona Chirciu talked about harassment in public spaces in Romania, as a form of violence which violates human rights and moreover, she presented law proposals and good practices worldwide.

In the second part of the round table, the Dean of the Political Sciences University, Ms. Ionela Băluță presented the topic of gender stereotypes and importance of political representation of women. The next presentation came from Ms. Armelle Danet from Elles Ausi Association in France, on the role of gender quotas and equal political representation.

The session was closed with a final presentation from Ms. Virgina Otel , President of Professional Women’s Network Romania, who presented the main obstacles women in high positions in companies have to face in fighting the “glass ceiling”.

All topics were complex and focus on the same soft spot of the Romanian society: the need of a better enforcement of equal opportunities. The dialogue and cooperation between key actors are of paramount importance, along with raising awareness among citizens, which have to be informed and involved in what the authorities plan to do.