2011. 03. 03.
MEP Lívia Járóka (Fidesz, EPP Group) reminded that the presence of highly educated women in leading positions of the private and public sector was indispensable. However, even more emphasis had to be put on improving the situation of those disadvantaged women who face multiple discrimination: such as single and disabled women, as well as women with big families and of minority origin. For them, the "glass ceiling" blocking their advancement is even lower – she explained (The expression 'glass ceiling" refers to the invisible barriers which women face in their everyday ambitions). Járóka also outlined her discussion with European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding the previous day, where the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship anticipated her plans of starting thorough surveys on gender parity in the whole range of business and banking.
The session was opened by Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, and the keynote speech was held by Mary Robinson, former President of the Irish Republic. The EP's series of events will continue next week in Strasbourg, where after debating and voting on two report related to women's rights, the plenary session will commemorate the 100th International Women's Day.