Increasing women’s presence in the political and democratic life and labour markets of the countries of the southern and eastern Mediterranean is a key component in fostering “a virtuous cycle of development”. For Deputy Foreign Minister Dassù, speaking at the Women Leaders in International Relations summit organised by the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, the integration of women in our southern neighbours’ societies is crucial.
Women in Diplomacy programme
“The issue is very important, and one in which Minister Bonino places great belief”, stated Dassù in the margins of the seminar. “We have created a committee to promote the Women in Diplomacy programme, whose remit includes a school for young women in the Mediterranean region”. The committee will also organise events for Expo Milan 2015, the first to place a strong emphasis on the importance of women.
Autumn event and workshops in Africa, Asia and America
“We will be organising a Nutrition Day event in November, at the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation”, explained Dassù, “as well as workshops in Africa, Asia and America”. The aim is to ensure that participating countries come to Milan with projects that recognise the importance of women’s integration. Indeed, the Expo will feature a “women’s pathway” and the introduction of a “women’s charter”.
