The work of the First Part of the Annual Session of the Parliamentary Session of the Council of Europe (PACE) are held in Strasbourg, in which the RA NA delegation to PACE participates. The member of the NA delegation Sona Ghazaryan gave a speech in the Session.
“Dear colleagues,
It is a great honour to stand before you today to address an issue of timeless relevance and urgent contemporary importance: Women in the Economy: Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Gender-Responsive Budgeting. I would like to extend my gratitude to the author for her commitment to advancing gender equality and for this critical report.
Over the decades, women have made extraordinary strides in the economy. Women today lead corporations, shape innovative industries, and create transformative enterprises. Yet, we cannot ignore the stark realities that still exist. Systemic barriers continue to hinder true equal participation. Many women still face discrimination in hiring practices, underrepresentation in decision-making positions, and a lack of opportunities in booming sectors like STEM.
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While it is clear that empowering women is a catalyst for economic growth, many nations still grapple with persistent wage gaps and limited access to capital for women entrepreneurs. The glass ceiling may have developed cracks, but it remains unbroken.
The report we’re discussing today offers a solution: gender-responsive budgeting. This isn’t merely an abstract concept; it’s a practical framework for transformative change. By consciously directing public resources equitably, we can address the gender disparities at their source.
Think about it, how can we expect women to excel in their careers if public budgets overlook crucial investments in affordable childcare, maternity leave, and tailored upskilling programmes? Gender-responsive budgeting illustrates that financial choices are moral decisions, advocating for policies that not only uplift individuals but enhance societies as a whole.
Entrepreneurship is another cornerstone of this conversation. Women entrepreneurs are not just creating jobs – they are redefining industries and fostering innovation. Currently, only 2% of venture capital globally goes to women-led startups. This is not merely an inequality; it’s a missed opportunity that dampens potential and stifles progress.
The report underscores a crucial truth: achieving gender equality in the economy is not just a moral obligation – it is an economic necessity.
Let’s advocate for policies that reflect women’s realities. And let’s ensure that every girl born today can grow up in a world where her potential is measured not by her gender but by her dreams,” the deputy said.
RA NA
