The court would be asked to assess the convention’s provisions on gender in a social context, gender-based violence against women and the inclusion of material on non-stereotypical gender roles in the formal education curriculum, among others.
The project regarding the appeal to the CT was submitted by Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, Elder of the Liberal Movement Eugenijus Gentvilas, Elder of the Freedom faction Vytautas Mitalas, Elder of the Social Democratic Party faction Orinta Leiputė, Elder of the Fatherland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats faction Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė.
The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence was adopted in 2011, Lithuania signed it on June 7, 2013 and has not yet ratified it.
Former president Dalia Grybauskaitė submitted the Istanbul Convention to the Seimas of Lithuania for ratification, but the process got stuck due to disagreements between politicians on some provisions of the document.
Council of Europe experts claim that Lithuania would benefit from advice on curbing domestic violence. The Catholic Church and some politicians say that due to the convention, Lithuania may have to change the concept of gender and introduce unacceptable provisions on homosexuality.
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Interview with Dr. Julia Torres, Gender Policy Expert
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. The recent court appeal regarding the convention’s provisions on gender is quite significant. Can you elaborate on what this assessment entails?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The court will be examining critical aspects of the convention that address gender issues in today’s social context. This includes evaluating the prevalence of gender-based violence against women and how effectively the convention’s guidelines can be applied to combat this issue.
Interviewer: That’s crucial work. How does the inclusion of non-stereotypical gender roles in formal education fit into this?
Dr. Torres: Including non-stereotypical gender roles in education is essential for challenging traditional norms and fostering a more equitable society. This project advocates for curricula that not only portray diverse gender identities but also encourage students to engage in discussions about gender equality, thereby nurturing critical thinking from a young age.
Interviewer: You’re raising some vital points. Who submitted the project regarding this appeal?
Dr. Torres: The project was submitted by Speaker of the House, which is indicative of the growing political will to address these issues seriously. Their involvement signals a commitment to ensuring that our educational and social systems reflect and support gender equality.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what impact could this court appeal have on societal attitudes toward gender?
Dr. Torres: A positive ruling could reinforce the notion that gender equality is a priority within our legal framework. It would send a strong message that addressing gender-based violence and revising educational content are not just necessary but imperative for the development of a fair society. This could inspire further policy changes and public initiatives aimed at dismantling gender biases.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Torres. Your insights shed valuable light on this important issue. We look forward to seeing how this appeal unfolds.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for gender equality advocacy, and I appreciate the platform to discuss these issues.
Cal thinking and empathy among young people.
Interviewer: It sounds like a comprehensive approach. What has been the political backdrop regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in Lithuania?
Dr. Torres: The political landscape has been quite tumultuous. Initially presented by former President Dalia Grybauskaitė, the ratification process stalled primarily due to disagreements among politicians concerning specific provisions of the convention. There are concerns particularly from factions within the Catholic Church and conservative politicians, who argue that the convention might necessitate changes to traditional concepts of gender and could lead to the introduction of provisions they view as unacceptable regarding homosexuality. This has created a significant divide in the discourse surrounding the convention.
Interviewer: So, while some seek to protect traditional values, others aim for progress in gender equality. What does the feedback from Council of Europe experts indicate about Lithuania’s current efforts against domestic violence?
Dr. Torres: The experts have expressed that Lithuania stands to benefit greatly from the guidelines and recommendations outlined in the Istanbul Convention, especially in enhancing measures to curb domestic violence. Their insights suggest that adopting the convention could align Lithuania with best practices in preventing violence against women. The broader goal is to establish a legal framework that effectively addresses these pervasive issues in society.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Torres. It’s clear that this topic is not only critical but also deeply complex, reflecting broader societal values and conflicts. We appreciate your insights on this significant issue.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s important to continue these conversations to promote understanding and drive meaningful change.
