In the last few years the European Commission has made significant advancements in implementing gender equality policies which include and benefit intersex people, particularly intersex women and girls. In 2020, the European Commission published its first- ever LGBTI Equality Strategy 2020-2025, which comprehensively included a clear mandate to work on a range of actions inclusive of intersex human rights issues. Similarly, the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 already acknowledged the fact that gender intersects with other grounds of discrimination, and that this reality should be addressed across EU policies.
In the following submission, OII Europe outlines key issues and recommendations for the next Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 in line with the European Commission’s latest EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights together with additional recommendations related to the specific situation of intersex persons. In a time of increasing backlash against (and the active erosion of) women’s rights and LGBTI rights, the Commission must step up to the task and remain steadfast in its mission to build a Union of equality for all.
The submission addresses the following issues:
- Intersectionality
- Freedom from gender-based violence
- Hate Crime & Hate Speech
- Victim’s Rights
- Conversion practices
- Highest attainable standard of health
- Quality and inclusive education
- Socio-economic empowerment
- Political participation and equal representation
- Institutional mechanisms that deliver on women’s rights
- Sport
