MARIA STRATIGAKI
Gender equality policy. UN, European Union, Greece
ed. Alexandria, P. 296

At the moment domestically, in the focus of the heinous phenomena of femicide and sexual violence against women, as well as the crimes of mass rape of civilians, women and girls in the course of the aggressive war against Ukraine, every publication that contributes to the emergence of international and national policies for equality men and women more than useful, it is a historical necessity. That is why the recently published book by Professor Maria Stratigaki is an excellent contribution and is already enjoying our enthusiasm for its release in Greek.

It undertakes the difficult task of capturing, comparing and evaluating, through scientific documentation, the adventure of introducing and implementing in Greece a public policy on gender equality.

With an impressively precise and rigorous methodology, the remarkable result managed to concisely, in just 243 pages, without missing important enough, with understandable and modern language, the entire difficult path of developing gender equality policy in post-political Greece. To illuminate them with the strong association and influence of the great innovations introduced by supranational organizations, mainly the United Nations and the EEC, and then the European Union.

She rises to the challenge and masterfully manages interdependencies, connotations, opportunities and obstacles that have arisen over 45 years (1974-2019) due to the convergence or divergence of political will, due to the influence of the vanguard of women’s and feminist organizations, the imperatives of international conventions, treaties, regulations and directives in Greek society, which, despite economic development and social evolution, has retained and still retains a largely male-dominated patriarchal identity. A society that is still permeated by the dominant, anachronistic behavioral pattern of unequal gender relations.

This evaluative critique focuses on four distinct elements of the public policy cycle, namely the overall policy framework, institutional structure-legislation, goals and policymaking tools, in line with the relevant policy analysis literature.

Readers will enjoy storytelling without the burden of bias that usually accompanies the study of applied public policy.

The historical path ends in 2019, when the recent development of the merger of the Secretariat of Gender Equality with family and population policy does not bode well for the situation, on the contrary, it proves the vulnerability and risks of retreat from progressive gains.

The book offers a fascinating read, it is a thorough, insightful connection of international events, the pressure of international organizations and the complex process within the walls to convince government bodies, self-governing “gentlemen”, politicians – gender equality is worth it!

The author, with generosity and methodological support, notes how important it was to serve the general secretaries who uphold the principle of equality, regardless of the ruling majority. He highlights the fact that the majority of general secretaries have taken this position. Together we have created a strong and institutional framework, a stable and specialized infrastructure and services for women, he concludes!

This conclusion, in addition to the objectivity of its content, creates a positive background-environment for the reader to enjoy the narrative without the burden of partisan and divisive accusations that usually accompany studies of applied public policy in our country.

The book not only enriches the domestic thematic bibliography, is not only a reference book for the academic community, but is also addressed to a wide community of public administration and self-government employees, enriching the perspective of human resource development.

But above all, it is addressed to every concerned, active citizen, man and woman, who will find in its pages the country’s painstaking, persistent efforts to foster a culture of equality, ensure human rights without gender exclusion, listen to constant obstacles, and take the lead in the context of their democratic participation for the practical defense of the value of equality, without the complacency of a vulnerable confidence.

Highly recommend, don’t miss out!

* Ms. Efi Becu was Secretary General for Equality in the Ministry of the Interior from 1999 to 2004.