26th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk

MINSK, 7 July (BelTA) — Belarus’ experience in promoting gender equality has been presented as part of the OSCE PA Annual Session in Minsk, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Marianna Shchetkina told the media on 7 July, BelTA has learned.

On 7 July, the parliamentarians took part in a lunch to discuss pressing gender issues. Marianna Shchetkina noted ahead of the lunch that the event was organized at the request of the OSCE PA. The topic is of interest since gender equality is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

Marianna Shchetkina is Belarus’ National Coordinator for SDGs. When presenting the country’s experience to the participants of the OSCE PA session, she noted that Belarus is implementing the fifth national plan of action to ensure gender equality. Marianna Shchetkina updated the MPs on the status of women in the country, who account for 53% of the population, and for 50% of those employed in the economy. Women are present in almost all sectors. In the public sector, their presence is particularly strong, Marianna Shchetkina added.

Belarus, like many other countries, is faced with the problem of occupational segregation which means uneven distribution of men and women among various occupations, the Belarusian MP noted. She presented measures taken in Belarus to improve the situation, including in terms of salary discrimination. She also spoke about a number of gender equality projects implemented in Belarus in cooperation with the OSCE.

Marianna Shchetkina emphasized that public associations play an important role in addressing gender equality issues. As the head of Belarusian Women’s Union, she pointed out that the women’s movement has always been working towards peace, stability, and confidence in the future. This unity enables women around the world to speak one language, the MP stressed.

Minsk is hosting the OSCE PA Annual Session from 5 to 9 July.