STEREOTYPES IN SHARING OF FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG ISSUES DISCUSSED AS WOMEN'S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE QUESTIONS ITALY
Press Release
WOM/987
STEREOTYPES IN SHARING OF FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG ISSUES DISCUSSED AS WOMEN'S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE QUESTIONS ITALY
19970716 As it considered the second and third periodic reports of Italy yesterday afternoon, the 23-member expert Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women expressed concern about stereotyping in the sharing of family responsibilities.It noted that 15 per cent of working women performed over 40 hours of family work in a week, whereas only 0.1 per cent of men engaged in such work. Experts asked for trends on time spent within and outside the home by men and women. Further, they asked if part-time work was only the preserve of women or if it was requested by men as well. They also sought information on any plans to carry out a study on the value of unremunerated work.
The 23-member expert Committee, which is the monitoring body for the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women, reviews reports of States parties submitted in accordance with article 18 of the Convention, which requires States to submit reports within one year after accession and thereafter at least every four years. Reports focus on legislative, judicial and administrative measures adopted by States to give effect to the Convention's provisions.
In introducing Italy's report this morning, the Minister for Equal Opportunities of that country had incorporated answers to questions raised by experts in the Committee's pre-session working group. Those questions had been forwarded to the Italian delegation one week prior to the report's presentation.
Commenting on aspects of the report, experts emphasized the importance of access to technology in the advancement of women. They raised questions about sexual harassment at work and wanted to know if trade unions had taken up that issue.
While praising the introduction of a wide-ranging law on violence against women, experts asked about measures that had been taken to encourage victims to bring complaints. Had there been media debates on violence against women? they asked. In that context, the importance of training health professionals in the identification and care of domestic violence victims was noted.
In the area of health, experts expressed concern about the lack of safe abortion facilities in southern Italy. They noted the very high incidence of caesarean sections and wondered about the reasons behind women's reluctance to take advantage of mammography and pap-smear test facilities in the country. Noting that the incidence of lung cancer in women was comparatively higher than men, they asked if it could be work-related.
Information was also sought on steps to reduce the marginalization of immigrant women. To what extent was the Government willing to integrate migrant workers in the society? Were training and retraining programmes available to such women? In addition, experts asked for information on the number of migrant women held in detention.
In final comments, the Italian Minister for Equal Opportunities said her Office had been created so that people involved in the women's movement and women with diversified experiences could be involved in the Government. Her Office monitored the impact of government policies and coordinated activities relating to women with other ministries. It took legislative initiatives and had been closely involved in the drafting of a new immigration law.
The Ministry for Equal Opportunities had introduced a provision concerning the right to family reunion in the immigration law now before Parliament, she said. On the subject of domestic violence and other kinds of violence against women, it was difficult to provide estimates mainly because of the unwillingness of victims to come forward. Protection of victim's privacy, particularly if she was under age, also contributed to the paucity of statistical information about violence against women and girls.
In addition, she called for international investigation and harmonization of European legislation to combat the practice of trafficking in women and prostitution. A large number of girls, mainly from eastern Europe and other countries, were victims of the practice undertaken by organized crime. She also noted the need for harmonizing policies on gender matters within the European countries. The Convention had provisions which European Union Member States could use to achieve gender equality and real union.
The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. today to hear the reply of Antigua and Barbuda to questions raised by experts on that country's initial report.
* *** *
Women's Anti-Discrimination Committee - 3 - Press Release WOM/987 347th Meeting (PM) 16 July 1997