STATEMENT AT THE SIDE EVENT ON “ENDING ECONOMIC GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE”
BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF LATVIA H.E. EVIKA SILIŅA
New York, 11 March 2024
Madam Minister,
Distinguished panellists and delegates,
Economic gender-based violence is deeply rooted in societal norms, unequal power dynamics and institutional practices that disadvantage individuals based on their gender.
Addressing gender-based economic violence requires a multi-faceted approach.
It includes:
· implementing and enforcing anti-discrimination policies,
· promoting equal pay for equal work,
· supporting work-life balance initiatives,
· and challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Many women experience economic gender-based violence through personal relations.
Often it is about abusive husbands who put all the economic responsibility and burden on the shoulders of their wives.
It becomes even more complicated, if children are involved. Recently, we all have heard many such sad stories.
If there is no access to state support, it is impossible to leave such economically violent relations.
In recent years, Latvia has intensified its efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
Particular attention has been devoted to improving the legal framework to align with the principles of the Istanbul Convention.
I’m proud that, last year, Latvia’s Parliament ratified the Istanbul Convention.
One of the challenges in preventing economic gender-based violence is the need to have a common understanding of the scope and nature of this form of violence in all of society, especially for women and girls.
In collaboration with non-governmental organizations, Latvia has implemented various such measures.
We also continue to work with young people about building healthy, non-violent and respectful relationship.
Nevertheless, zero tolerance against gender-based violence remains our goal.
Last year, Latvia started to work on our first Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.
It will be the guiding policy document in this field for the next six years.
In recent years, Latvia has paid particular attention to developing social services and assistance based on the victim’s needs.
For example, since the middle of last year, we have a new state-funded service available for victims of gender-based and domestic violence – the so called “crisis apartments”.
In many situations, these apartments can be a life-saving service.
The work on new tools and services for children and adults who have suffered from domestic violence continues.
Work-life balance measures play a pivotal role in preventing economic gender-based violence.
This is not just about time management; it encompasses a fair distribution of opportunities, responsibilities, and resources.
Latvia has introduced measures that are vital to help women achieve better work-life balance, facilitate labour market participation and strengthen the men’s role in childcare.
Combating economic gender-based violence requires sustained efforts at various levels involving government, businesses, civil society, and individuals.
Today’s discussion is just a small step, but it is so important to come together and share our experiences and best practice for fighting this human rights abuse.
I’m grateful to our longstanding partner – the Nordic Council of Ministers that has been a true and valuable ally in our shared mission to combat and eradicate gender-based violence and to build a safer future for all.
Thank you!
Photo: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja