Belarus advocates work-family balance & women’s rights at CSW67

New York, 8 March 2023 (TDI): Belarus attended the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in the United States (US).

Irina Velichko, Head of Multilateral Diplomacy at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently addressed on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Family at the CSW67 general discussion.

Velichko stressed the importance of recognizing women’s roles in the family unit. She noted that women frequently serve as the primary carers. They are essential to the upbringing and development of children.

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She underlined the importance of establishing a work-family balance to prevent women from choosing between their profession and their family.

Furthermore, she emphasized the requirement for laws supporting working parents, such as paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and accessible childcare. Velichko also recognized the necessity of encouraging gender equality within the family unit.

She remarked that if males are encouraged to take on greater caregiving responsibilities, women will have more opportunities to pursue their careers and succeed in their endeavors.

Belarus’s support of Women’s Rights

Belarus has a strong position on women’s rights. It aims to empower women. It seeks to ensure that women can contribute to the development of their communities by promoting family values and fostering work-family balance.

According to the Organization of Friends of the Family, Belarus is committed to advancing laws that strengthen families and improve their quality of life. The country recognizes the value of the family unit in developing robust and stable communities.

The Group of Friends of the Family is a coalition of countries. It acknowledges the value of the family unit and its benefits to society.

The organization works to advance laws that strengthen and protect families. Belarus is a part of the coalition. It has been a vocal supporter of measures elevating family values.

Remarks of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in CSW67

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to assisting women and girls worldwide in their struggle for rights and freedoms during the general debate of the 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67).

He declared that women’s voices would not be suppressed, and their calls for equality would be heard worldwide.

Guterres mentioned the persistent obstacles that women and girls experience, in addition to gender-based violence, racism, and economic inequality. However, he acknowledged the progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Secretary-General urged all states to work toward gender equality. He stated, “full and equal involvement of women and girls is not just an issue of human rights, but also economic growth and sustainable development.”

He also underlined the necessity of investing in women and girls’ education, healthcare, and economic prospects.

He urged all stakeholders to join the UN in this critical task. He stressed, “we must stand together to ensure that women and girls may live free from violence, discrimination, and inequity.”