In February and March, SLOGA participated in public consultations on a draft national strategic document on gender equality, and in the European Commission consultation to draft the new rule of law report.
Gender equality is an important topic for SLOGA and its member organizations since it is crucial for the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Addressing gender equality as a horizontal issue and cross-cutting gender mainstreaming in all policies follows the principle of policy coherence for sustainable development. In the spirit of the 2030 Agenda, the draft document reaffirms the importance of strengthening gender equality and eliminating inequalities to bring about equitable and inclusive sustainable development for all.
In its input to the draft Resolution on the National Program for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men until 2030, SLOGA called for the inclusion of Global Citizenship Education. NGOs active in Global Citizenship Education have been emphasizing the importance of Global Citizenship Education as a key tool for an inclusive sustainable society. Global Citizenship Education is also an important tool for overcoming gender stereotypes, strengthening the understanding of the causes and consequences of gender stereotypes on gender inequality, and strengthening gender equality in formal, non-formal and informal learning.
The adoption of the Resolution will importantly contribute to strengthening the implementation of gender equality in domestic policies and cooperation with partner countries and cross-cutting gender mainstreaming in all policies in line with the principle of policy coherence for sustainable development.
SLOGA participated in the public consultation by the European Commission on the annual EU rule of law report. In its contribution to the enabling environment for civil society, SLOGA pointed out the lack of programmatic funding for NGOs thematic networks, as provided by the NGOs Act.
Namely, programmatic financing of thematic networks of NGOs would promote further development of the civil society sector and strengthen the civic dialogue. Empowered civil society is crucial for the implementation of the “leave no one behind” principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular the Goal 16 (“Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”).
The Rule of Law Report monitors significant developments relating to the rule of law in all member states. The report is expected to be adopted in July.