A key topic in the discussion was supporting families to deal with low birth rates, “the biggest long-term challenge we face as a society”, as noted by Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on the occasion of International Women’s Daymet with five women at Megaros Maximos and discussed with them the issues that concern women of all ages today.
The meeting was attended by Black Carmelalawyer in Piraeus, member of the NGO WISTA Hellas that promotes gender equality, mother of one child, Iulia Anastasiouworking in a pharmaceutical industry, with a master’s degree in IT, mother of two children, n Carnation Papararetired from the Ministry of Finance, mother of three children with four grandchildren, h Ioanna Lapsania young worker, a civil engineer in a construction company, and Argiro Koutsouradisa young farmer from Chios, with a master’s degree in agriculture, owner of the company Myrovolos Organics and mother of one child.
“We thought on the occasion of Women’s Day to have a discussion so that you can convey your own experiences and evaluate the public policies that we have implemented for the issues that concern you, but also to be able to detect possible new fields of political interventions . Policies that support women of all ages: from young girls who are thinking of starting a family, to working women who struggle to balance work, family life, parenting responsibilities, to older women who may be retiring but still feel productive and want to somehow work or contribute to society as a whole,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
A key topic in the discussion was supporting families to deal with low birth rates, “the biggest long-term challenge we face as a society”, as noted by Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The prime minister highlighted the government’s initiatives, such as the establishment from January 1, 2020 of the birth allowance of 2,000 euros, which was increased retroactively covering births in 2023, as well as the intervention to reduce the price of baby milk.
“We, when we came in 2019, the first thing we did was to give the birth allowance, the 2,000 euros – now we have also increased it retroactively for those who gave birth in 2023 -, recognizing that there are some initial significant costs related to the birth and the expenses that each family must incur in order to welcome a baby into the home. I think the amount we give now is a small breath. Like the interventions we made in baby milk, where we have seen reduced prices on the shelves, on average in most milks from 15% to 20%,” the Prime Minister said.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis also referred to the extension of the maternity allowance to self-employed workers and farmers, the “My Home” program to support young couples in order to acquire their own home, the increase in vouchers for daycare centers and the “Neighborhood Nannies” program, which is implemented as a pilot in 60 municipalities, with funding from the Recovery Fund.
At the same time, he also highlighted the extension to private companies of the possibility to build daycare centers at workplaces, while he described as interesting the proposal to set up in the courts – starting with the new courthouse being built in Piraeus – a room that will host children for as long as possible their lawyer-mothers handle their cases.
The prime minister also referred to the modernization program of hospitals and health centers and assured that “as the economy develops, it allows us to invest more in education and health.”
The discussion also raised the issue of “MeToo”, against the sexual harassment of women, and it was emphasized that it does not only concern work but also other areas such as education. “You’re right to bring it up because we usually associate it with the workplace but I’ve heard quite a few incidents as well. In general, where there is a relationship of power and dependence, such behaviors may incubate”, said Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“The fact that these were discussed openly, that we now have a policy on harassment issues, that we now have a complaint line for the most serious incidents, that we have policies like the panic button that under conditions can save lives from serious incidents of abuse and violence against women, is progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but I think a very important first step has been taken in this direction”, stressed the Prime Minister.
Source: Skai
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