In 41 countries, men are recognized by law as the sole heads of families, requiring wives to obey their husbands; 35% of women will be victims during their lives of physical or sexual violence; women are overrepresented in vulnerable jobs and are paid on average 23% less than men; and only 45% of countries have achieved parity in secondary education.
This inequality is unacceptable, and so the President of the Republic decided to make it a priority of the French G7 Presidency.
In renewing a Canadian initiative that was launched in 2018, he has sought to surround himself with men and women from around the world who are determined to provide their experience, expertise and determination to support the great global cause of equality between men and women.
The first meeting of this Advisory Council was held at the Élysée Palace on 19 February. It identified avenues for action on three priorities:
- combating violence and discrimination;
- access to education;
- women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
The President of the Republic was keen for all members of this Advisory Council, supported by Minister of State Marlène Schiappa and the Council’s secretariat, to keep working ahead of the upcoming meetings and propose tangible tools and solutions to enhance gender equality worldwide.
Particular focus will be given to improving the laws and regulatory frameworks of G7 countries, as no progress can be sustained and effective if it does not have a solid legislative foundation.