International Women's Day or equality at all levels - Yuriko Backes' agenda

She began the day with a visit to the Härebierg, where she spoke with women from different careers in the army, listening to their different backgrounds and experiences. The Minister pointed out that "women are a key factor in the success of our army. Today, only 12% of staff are women. We must resolutely continue to build on the progress made in recent years. The army offers varied and demanding jobs for anyone who is motivated".

In the commune of Schuttrange, the Minister inaugurated a new street named after Jeanne Rouff, a lawyer, women's rights activist and one of the first three women judges in Luxembourg, as well as a founding member of the Conseil national des femmes (CNFL). She emphasised that work towards greater equality is a task for all levels, and that local authorities are crucial players in the fight against gender inequality.

Yuriko Backes' programme continued with an exchange with female CFL staff, focusing in particular on the Women@CFL action plan. She thanked the company's employees for their commitment, underlining that she was "particularly impressed by the concrete initiatives implemented to empower women within CFL".

By taking part in the feminist march in Luxembourg City, the Minister showed her support for and solidarity with all those present who are working to promote equality and diversity.

At the end of the day, Yuriko Backes took part in a round table organised by the CNFL on the subject of violence against women. In her speech, the Minister reiterated the Luxembourg government's zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence. She announced that the Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity would, for the first time, be drawing up a national plan to combat all forms of gender-based violence, adding: " The preparation of a comprehensive strategy to combat all forms of gender-based violence covered by the Istanbul Convention is an ideal opportunity to strengthen and optimise our existing system in terms of the four pillars of the Convention: prevention, protection, prosecution and integrated policies".

Press release by the Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity