The amendment of the penal code and the legislation that makes it a criminal offense to insult any woman who publicly breastfeeds her child is not enough to protect women and encourage them to breastfeed at the same time.
The Commissioner of Administration, Maria Stylianou - Lottidi, made public yesterday her official position on the issue, emphasizing that the competent state services should also take their measures and proceed with a series of actions that will first ensure the right of women. and at the same time encourage women to file complaints when they are harassed during public breastfeeding of their child.
"With this position as the National Independent Human Rights Authority, I would like to welcome the passage of the relevant criminal provision by the legislature, and on the other hand emphasize the need for this provision to be framed by a series of measures that will empower women in "This choice is a human rights exercise linked to the obligation to respect and promote gender equality," she said, adding that "the right of every mother to breastfeed in public is linked to the right of every woman to breastfeed." participates in public life, including work, without being ashamed or discriminated against because of a choice made in connection with motherhood with the self-disposition of her body and consequently with her gender ".
"In order to consolidate and promote this position", according to Ms. Lottidi, "it is primarily necessary to fight the gender and sexist stereotypes from which the aversion to the woman who breastfeeds her child in public derives".
Therefore, the Commissioner concludes, "in addition to the process of promoting the implementation of the legislation, it is necessary to thoroughly inform women and encourage them to report any harassing behavior." It is also important "as more specific information is addressed to civil servants who serve or come into contact with the public, as well as to other bodies or organized groups such as trade unions and employers' organizations".
Source: Philenews