International women’s day: equal rights, continue to strengthen

Vienna (OTS) – Although the equality of all people is a human right, girls and women are discriminated against in many countries. Usually this failure is socially and structurally deep-rooted. The Austrian development cooperation is to ensure that the changes.

Equality is a human right and at the same time an essential prerequisite for a socially just and economically sustainable society. The reality shows but still women do most of the unpaid labour, are more likely to be at risk of poverty, have less access to land ownership and are more affected by violence.

Equal rights everywhere

„Inequality between the sexes is one of the greatest barriers to sustainable development, economic advancement and less poverty. We can only provide for better living conditions in the world, when girls and women have equal rights on the social life part. It is not a matter that women and men have, not only theoretically, but also practically the same rights – and it is everywhere. For the Austrian development cooperation gender equality and the advancement of women is therefore a key issue“, said Martin Ledolter, managing Director of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of the Austrian development cooperation, on the occasion of world women’s day on 8. March.

In 2015, the international community gender equality as a fifth of the total of 17 global goals for sustainable development ([SDGs]
(https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/entwicklungsziele-agenda-2030))
anchored. By 2030, in order for equality and an end to any Form of discrimination of girls and women to be achieved. „We align all of our projects and programs so that they contribute to gender equality,“ said Ledolter. With a total of 216 million Euro, the Austrian Development Agency promotes current initiatives that contribute to the empowerment of girls and women and to end gender-based discrimination.

Use for female health

The ADA specifically supports local organisations that claim in their political and social environment, equal rights, and an important contribution to the development of their country. 2018 stand here, in particular the fight against female genital mutilation (Female Genital Mutilation, FGM) in the focus of the Austrian development cooperation: Overall, the ADA 2018 invested 1.2 million euros in the protection of women against genital mutilation and the better access to quality health services in Ethiopia and in Burkina Faso.

Peace only with women

Is underestimated as the contribution of women to peace and must. While security, defense and peace preservation are traditionally male domains, the UN security Council resolution 1325 since 2000, the need for women in all stages of peace efforts to include and protect their rights in conflicts. The ADA is committed to the implementation of the Resolution and its six follow-up resolutions on women, peace and security.

It starts in the minds

Equality must always begin in the mind. „So that equal opportunity becomes a reality, it needs statutory regulations. And, above all, we must break down discriminatory structures of thought. Here we put together with our partners,“ adds Katrin Fischer, technical officer for Gender and development at the Austrian Development Agency. With the promotion of the Initiative „Changing the Narrative“ of UN Women about the ADA is helping to make a positive image of women and their social role in Africa visible. And with the support of international initiatives such as #HeForShe, the ADA also helps to win boys and men to make non-discrimination against girls and women.

Austrian Development Agency

The Austrian Development Agency, the operational unit of the Austrian development cooperation supports countries in Africa, Asia, South – Eastern and Eastern Europe in their sustainable development. Together with public institutions, non-governmental organizations and companies, the ADA is currently implementing projects and programmes with a total volume of 500 million euros.

Austrian Development Agency,
The Agency Austrian development cooperation
Zelinkagasse 2, 1010 Vienna
Mag. Katharina Schreiber
Tel.: +43 (0)1 90399-2414
katharina.schreiber@ada.gv.at
www.development.at