The process of electing UN Secretary General should be transparent and should ensure a fair and equal distribution, based on a balance of sexes and a geographical balance. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said in his statement made at the meeting of global leaders on issues related to the equality of sexes and the empowerment of women: A commitment to action.
The Head of State pointed out that it depends on us to strengthen the trust in the UN as a universal organization and to face together the many challenges the future presents by including women in the decision-making process.
In his statement the President emphasized that the constant efforts our country makes in support of the rights of women and girls have resulted in increasing the Bulgarian women’s participation in the political and social life and their occupying leaders’ positions in prestigious sectors. Two thirds of the magistrates in Bulgarian courts are women, as well as 65 percent of the state officials, 43 percent of the members of the board of directors of state enterprises, more than 30 percent of the municipal councilors. “The Bulgarian legislation guarantees an equality of the rights of women and men and an equal participation in all spheres of life,” Rosen Plevneliev said and added that discrimination based on sex is banned by law.
“Bulgaria will pool efforts to contribute to achieving equality between the sexes in the next 15 years,” the President said. The Head of State pointed out that our country has assumed a commitment to adopt a new, specialized law on equality and the draft is already ready. The law will guarantee that the equality of sexes is included in all policies as a prerequisite for the full protection of the human rights of women and girls. Updating the National strategy on encouraging the equality of sexes is also planned. “We are determined to eradicate the difference between women’s and men’s salaries and we reiterate our commitment to build on the policies on fighting all forms of violence against women,” Rosen Plevneliev said.