Marianne Mikko: Local Governments Have A Responsibility To Promote Gender Equality

Tuesday, 26.11.2024, 16:13 / SEISUKOHAD / RSS

Kohtla-Järve Has Taken Significant Steps to Reduce the Gender Pay Gap

The city of Kohtla-Järve has made significant strides in reducing the gender pay gap, as highlighted in the municipality’s recent activity report. This report emphasizes combating pay inequality as part of Estonia’s international obligations under the United Nations CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women). Observing the actions of Kohtla-Järve’s municipal government, it is evident that motivated staff and transparency in processes support the advancement of gender equality.

International Commitments and the Local Level

The CEDAW convention, ratified by Estonia in 1991, is a foundational document for ensuring women’s rights and gender equality. Every country that has joined the convention, including Estonia, must regularly report progress to the UN. Following a constructive dialogue in May 2024, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) issued both long-term and short-term recommendations to Estonia. The country must fulfill the four most urgent directives within two years.

The CEDAW convention obliges governments to ensure gender equality in both decision-making processes and everyday life. Estonia has made notable advancements in this area. For example, some political parties, such as the Social Democrats (SDE), structure their candidate lists to include representatives of both genders within the top three slots, ensuring that no less than 40% of either gender is represented among the top ten nationwide candidates. However, parity (an equal split between men and women) has not yet been achieved in the Estonian Parliament.

Tackling the Pay Gap

When I organized a demonstration in Tammsaare Park in 2011, Estonia’s gender pay gap stood at 31%. Although progress has been made, the situation in Estonia is far from ideal. Currently, there are 30 women in the Estonian Parliament. Over the past decade, the pay gap for the same or equivalent work has narrowed, but Estonia still has the widest gender pay gap in the European Union. Kohtla-Järve’s municipal government could serve as a model for other local governments.

The role of local governments is directly tied to Estonia’s international commitments.

Historical Role Models and Inspiration for Young Women

Culture, broadly defined, and specific historical role models play a crucial role in promoting gender equality. Women’s names on street signs and monuments dedicated to women in public spaces inspire future generations. When considering the erection of monuments in the future, it is worth reflecting not only on whom the monument honors but also who its creators are. Local governments could also support and recognize women actively contributing to the development of their communities, whether in councils or non-profit organizations.

Gender equality must not remain confined to the corridors of major institutions in New York, Geneva, or Brussels. It must be reflected in all corners of the world, including local governments and the daily lives of every woman. The implementation of the articles of the CEDAW convention is a collective societal responsibility.

Tags: gender equality, inspirational women, kohtla-järve, Marianne Mikko, pay gap