Gender Equality: Foremost Priority of EU

Brussels, 27 November 2021 (TDI): Gender Equality and Human Rights are a priority for the European Union (EU) in foreign affairs and diplomatic relations. However, the policies in Afghanistan are not conducive to women’s and girls’ rights.

Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security, EU Commissioner on International Partnership for Humanitarian Aid, Jutta Urpilainen, and 24 Ministers from the Member States of EU agreed with the gender equality and rights of women and girls is the top priority.

EU Aid and Afghanistan

The humanitarian aid for Afghanistan is associated with the Afghanistan government policies and efforts towards gender equality. Afghan Women and girls’ rights and education are the top priorities for the EU as well as the establishment of external linkages with Afghanistan for EU Aid.

The dream of peace, security, economic prosperity, and stability will be possible by ensuring gender equality. Human rights, freedom of speech, and democracy with equality in every field of life is the preference because it encourages and strengthens resilience in society. 

European Union & Gender Equality

EU is very clear about gender equality. Gender-based equality is the fundamental component of the EU. Therefore member states are defending and promoting gender-based equality and ensuring human rights.

The member states are supporting the partner countries in emergency situations. EU has efficiently worked in the pandemic to minimize its impact. This facilitation ensures a safe return to the workplace and educational institutions.

Global Partnership and Women Rights

In this regard, the EU has contributed 1.7billion euros to the global partnership for education in July. Through this partnership, the 90 funded countries and territories will ensure education for girls and boys.

EU aims to provide opportunities for economic empowerment of women and girls’ education and is working on eliminating gender-based.

EU Aims for Sustainability Development Goals

By 2025, EU’s all external actions in all sectors will ensure gender equality and women empowerment. The policy is finalized with development institutions, civil society activists, and youth. In 2030, the EU aspires to the successful assurance of Sustainable Development of Goals. 

The European Nations have already supported 130 countries, with a priority on women and youth development. Nepal and Tago are examples of virtual and radio education and economic empowerment income schemes. 

Human Development enjoys superiority in the policies of the EU. The planning for the new 79.5 billion euro NDICI -Global Europe instrument; will support the EU’s external action for the next seven years. The EU Gender Action Plan III and external action budget provide the roadmap for gender equality in the world.

EU priorities post COVID-19

The pandemic of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns increased gender-based violence. Human and economic rights have acquired pre-eminence.

It’s time to do more in the human development index. EU’s partner countries must set their priorities. Spending on human development and women’s empowerment should be the preference. This will ensure the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals as per the charter of the United Nations.