Swiss President Alain Berset called for increased efforts to boost equal rights and prevent violence against women.
“Inflation, war, domestic violence: women are always the first to feel the impact of crises. We must act and ensure greater equality – not only today on International Women’s Day, but every day,” he said in a tweet on Wednesday. “The solutions are known.”
Berset had already stood up for the women of the world the day before at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York on Tuesday.
Achievements and shortcomings
“Much has been achieved, more remains to be done – let’s keep at it!” tweeted Swiss Defence Minister Viola Amherd on Wednesday.
For her part, Justice Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider recalled certain achievements such as the #MeToo movement or coming to terms with abuse in the church.
Female parliamentarians highlighted recent achievements, notably a reform to prevent sexual offences and protect rape victims, while others deplored that the percentage of women in the Senate is below 30%.
Demands for higher pay
Trade unions have urged women to take to the streets in several Swiss cities to demand political support for their cause.
They are demanding “respect, more pay and more time”.
A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Switzerland has dropped six places in an international ranking of equality in the workplace within a year. It is now ranked 20th out of the 33 OECD countries surveyed.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
When Swiss universities led the way in gender equity
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In the late 19th century, young women from all over the world came to Switzerland to study. For some, the road to success was bumpy.
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