Moving from Formal to Substantive Equality
Advice for Forging Ahead in the Struggle for Gender Equality
During the productive question and answer period, one of the questions directed at the panellists was the following: based on the progress you have seen in your country, what principal action would you recommend for moving from formal to substantive equality?
Dr. Incháustegui stressed the need for women to overcome the self-doubt that may deter them from initiating projects. In her experience, once women get behind something, nothing can stop them. For her part, Senator Duncan-Price said her biggest
learning has been about the messages we send men. We must also encourage girls from a very young age to speak their minds, raise their voices, and be leaders. Ms. Escobar’s piece of advice was the following: do a little bit each and every day. Senator Fortin-Duplessis responded that the key is to eliminate poverty, as it disempowers women enormously. She added that it is also essential to raise the profile of women candidates and make their platforms known. Senator Moreira said that while women tend to find refuge in social movements, we must facilitate their participation in party politics, where laws are made.