Minister Grabar-Kitarović on visit to Monaco

Minister Grabar-Kitarović took part 24 June 2006 at the Monaco Crans Montana Forum, moderating in the morning the panel The Growing Role of Women in World Affairs Management. Speaking about the role of women in political participation, she stated that women’s rights are primarily a human rights issue. She pointed out that although progress has been made as far as their part in the decision-making process, women are still underrepresented in political institutions and the public life in general. The existing normative framework, both on a national and global level, should serve the further development of the policies and programs that would facilitate the creation of a critical mass of women at key economic, social, and political positions, from which they could contribute to the political life and the creation of a full gender equality.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović reminded the present parties about Croatia’s initiative, brought at the meeting of women foreign ministers and other high-ranking officials and dignitaries, that saw the adoption of the Statement on Women’s Political Participation calls on the UN members’ governments to dispose of the stereotypes and obstacles in achieving true gender equality in political and public life, and establish measures for facilitating the de facto women’s equality in accordance with the General Recommendation No. 25 of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The members’ governments are also called on to prevent and eliminate gender-based discrimination and any forms of violence against women.

In the afternoon part of the Crans Montana Forum, Minister Grabar-Kitarović will be speaking at the panel The Enlargement of the European Union is Going South-East.

During her visit to the Principality of Monaco, Minister Grabar-Kitarović will meet with Sovereign Prince Albert II. Also underway is the opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Croatia to the Principality of Monaco.