by InTrieste
The Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia has proposed a new Equal Opportunities Commission designed to promote gender parity and support women’s professional development. The initiative, outlined in Bill No. 30 and discussed during the Fifth Permanent Commission’s recent session, aims to enhance collaboration between regional institutions and advance equality-related policies.
The commission will serve both advisory and oversight roles, providing recommendations on legislation and policies while promoting “positive actions” to improve access to employment and professional training opportunities for women.
“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to addressing gender equality across political lines,” noted a council member. The proposal saw contributions from female members of both the majority and minority blocs, emphasizing collaboration in addressing gender disparities.
Expanded Scope and New Mandates
The commission’s responsibilities are set to expand, allowing for consultation with a broader range of institutional bodies. It will also be able to submit observations and recommendations on laws and proposals related to gender equality directly to the Council and the Regional Government.
One of its key roles will be monitoring compliance with guidelines on gender representation in regional appointments. While its recommendations will be non-binding, the commission is expected to play a significant role in promoting initiatives to enhance gender balance.
A Principle of Balanced Representation
The proposed composition of the commission includes a unique approach to representation: the gender majority of the commission will be opposite to that of the Regional Council. For example, if the council has a female majority, the commission will be primarily male, aiming to ensure balanced perspectives in its work.
Alignment with Broader Trends
The proposal incorporates elements from similar initiatives in other Italian regions and maintains a connection with local associations. By doing so, the commission seeks to align grassroots efforts with institutional decision-making to advance gender parity.
While the bill is still under discussion, it marks a step toward institutionalizing gender equality efforts in Friuli Venezia Giulia. As the region moves forward with this initiative, it could serve as a model for similar efforts across Italy.
