by InTrieste
In the bustling arena of regional governance, the Regional Commission for Gender Equality emerges as a pivotal advisory body, intricately woven into the fabric of both the Regional Council and Executive Board. Its primary mission? Vigilantly overseeing and actively implementing the bedrock principles of equality and social parity across the regional landscape.
Operating within the realms of institutional, economic, social, and cultural domains, the Commission fervently tackles the barriers that manifest as both direct and indirect discrimination against women. Established through Legislative Decree 23/1990 and subsequently revamped by Legislative Decree No. 11/2018, the Commission underwent a transformative change in composition, injecting a male contingent not exceeding 30%.
In introducing the initiative on Tuesday, 9 January, Francesco Russo, the Vice President of the Regional Council, declared, “Today is an important day that once again demonstrates the commitment of the Commission, always active on issues that are dramatically intertwined with the pulse of our community’s life. The theme of female protagonism is crucial in reshaping a society that struggles to find its identity and grapples with challenges.”
Russo then offered a modest self-critique, stating, “This chamber sees a significantly low representation of women, while Parliament demonstrates more progress than us – he emphasized. Regarding the tool of double gender preference, the norm I presented was rejected three times during the last legislative term; I will try again, with the intention of avoiding another ‘no.'”
Returning to the event, the Vice President underscored that “space will be given to the stories of individuals and women who, in various fields, from social to science to art, have exhibited protagonism, sometimes unexpectedly. The hope is that this will help narrate something different.”
In the dynamic landscape of regional governance, the Commission not only addresses systemic challenges but also serves as a platform for acknowledging and rectifying gender disparities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
At its helm stands the Commissioner for the implementation of the equality principle in access to employment, accompanied by fourteen Commissioners, representative of women’s movements and associations dedicated to fostering gender-balanced participation in the regional economic and social sphere. These appointees bring a wealth of recognized expertise and experience across diverse facets and profiles.
The Commission, capable of forming specialized Sections or Task Groups, is personified by its elected President. By right and with advisory votes, incumbent regional councilors, alongside a representative of their ilk following legislative amendments, contribute to the Commission’s proceedings.
The Annual Program, a crucial roadmap, secures approval from the Presidency Office of the Regional Council and sees the light of day during the Annual Assembly of Associations (Article 6, paragraph 5 bis, Legislative Decree 23/1990).
In a historic session on November 14, 2019, the Commission ratified both the “Internal Regulations for the Operation of the Regional Commission for Gender Equality (Article 6, paragraph 5, Regional Law May 21, 1990, No. 23, and subsequent amendments and integrations)” and the “Internal Regulations for the Duration and Operation of the Task Groups of the Regional Commission for Gender Equality.” This marks a significant stride toward fortifying the Commission’s role in shaping a more equitable regional landscape.
