EU Foreign Policy Chief: Gender Equality Not Only a Moral Obligation or Social Status

Frederica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, has arrived in Georgia as part of a broader tour of the partner countries in the Eastern Partnership.

Opening the “Achieving Gender Equality” International conference in Tbilisi today Mogherini stated “A lot of women are in this room, but also there are a lot of men. We have gathered here because we believe in Gender equality and we believe we will change the situation.”

Mogherini cited that gender equality is not only a moral obligation or social status adding “granting women and men the same rights enriches our society and makes it safer. It is an issue of development. Strong women bring many benefits to society. It is easier to overcome economic and social barriers when women are strong and they are recognized as equal citizens in the community. This is part of the sustainability of our society.”

Mogherini added “to do this, the EU is working on women’s and girls’ rights.”

The agenda of the HRVP includes meetings with President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Foreign Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. She will also meet Chairman of the Parliament Davit Usupashvili and leaders of parliamentary factions as well as the civil society.