Luxembourg’s Minister of Equal Opportunities, Lydia Mutsch, addressed the 60th plenary session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) of the United Nations in New York, highlighting the importance of women in attaining the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in all areas and at all levels.

According to the Minister, policies must both eliminate the discrimination against women, as well as promote equality between men and women, in the workplace, by sharing family, professional, political and societal responsibilities.

During a ministerial round table discussing legal, regulatory and policy strengthening for gender equality and the empowerment of women, Lydia Mutsch presented the political efforts made by Luxembourg in this regard, such as the 2014-2019 Gender Equality Plan and the government's strategy for a better balance between men and women in decision-making. The Minister additionally cited good practices such as established formal partnerships with all stakeholders including inter-ministerial cooperation, prostitution, the fight against domestic violence and women's employment.

The Luxembourg Minister then attended a coordination meeting of EU ministers in charge of gender equality, to discuss ways to combat sexual violence and sexual harassment. Here Minister Mutsch stressed the importance of sexual and emotional education based on mutual respect and the fight against gender stereotypes. Those present also discussed the gender dimension of the migration crisis and refugee reception.

The Minister also met with Sylvie Durrer, Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Gender Equality. The Luxembourg Minister was particularly interested in political decision-making in Switzerland. The two also exchanged views on the two countries’ efforts in achieving equal pay for men and women and the need for an equal number of both on the boards in economic decision-making. 

Minister Mutsch also presented the international conference on men and gender equality policies to be held on 16 and 17 October 2016 in Esch / Alzette (Luxembourg).

Photo by: MEGA (L-R) Sylvie Lucas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations and Minister Mutsch.