Woman laws at Greece
Greece has made significant strides in advancing women's rights through legal reforms, though challenges persist in areas such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and domestic responsibilities. Here's an overview of the current legal landscape concerning women's rights in Greece:
⚖️ Legal Framework & Gender Equality
1. Constitutional and Legal Reforms
Greece's Constitution guarantees gender equality, and the country has enacted various laws to promote women's rights. For instance, the Family Law has been amended to recognize the rights of women in de facto relationships, providing legal protection in terms of spousal maintenance and property rights. Additionally, a domestic violence law allows any person to apply for a domestic violence restraining order, and the police are legally obligated to enforce measures to promote the safety and well-being of victims, particularly women and children
2. Government Initiatives
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is responsible for promoting gender equality and overseeing the well-being of women and children in Greece. The government has launched initiatives such as the Gender Equality Strategy to empower women and girls by enhancing technical knowledge of transformative gender mainstreaming across government institutions.
🏥 Reproductive Rights
1. Abortion Laws Abortion has been fully legalized in Greece since 1986 under Law 1609/1986 Abortions can be performed on-demand up to 12 weeks of pregnancy In cases of rape or incest, abortion is permitted up to 19 weeks, and up to 24 weeks in cases of fetal abnormalities Abortions are also allowed at any time before birth if there is a risk to the woman's life or serious and continuous damage to her physical or mental health Girls under the age of 18 must obtain written permission from a parent or guardian before undergoing an abortio
2. Contraception and Family Planning Contraception is legal and widely available in Greece The government provides family planning services, including access to contraceptives and reproductive health education Efforts continue to improve access to these services, particularly in rural and remote areas
🚺 Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant issue in Greec. While legal frameworks have been established to address GBV, challenges persist in enforcement and societal attitude. The Greek government has ratified the Istanbul Convention, which aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violene c In 2023, a new law aimed at combating gender-based violence was introduced, targeting abuses such as revenge porn, cyberstalking, and workplace sexual harassmen. The legislation introduced stricter penalties and enhanced protections for victim. However, it sparked protests among legal professionals who criticized the bill for violating constitutional principles, specifically the presumption of innocence and the separation of powes
🏠 Domestic Responsibilitie
In Greece, women bear the brunt of household chores more than in any other European county Women in Greece average 282 minutes daily on housework and childcare compared to men's 59 minutsThis disparity is partly attributed to lower female employment rates and limited nursery spacsCultural norms also persist, with societal expectations that women shoulder domestic responsibilitisDespite recent governmental efforts to increase equality, such as enhanced maternity benefits and plans to expand public nursery spaces, traditional views remain pervasive, especially regarding child-rearng
🌍 International Commitmens
Greece is a signatory to several international treaties aimed at promoting women's rights, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Istanbul Convento. While these commitments are significant, translating them into effective national policies and practices remains a work in progrss.
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In summary, while Greece has made notable legal advancements in women's rights, challenges remain in areas such as reproductive health, gender-based violence, and domestic participato.Continued efforts are needed to ensure that legal reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Greek women.
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