November 25, 2025 • 17 mins
🎙 In this special 25 November episode of ALDA’s podcast “Shades of Democracy”, we explore what gender equality really means today — and why it remains essential for the health of our democracies.
Through street interviews, listeners hear how people define (and sometimes struggle to define) gender equality — from pay gaps to representation, from safety to shifting social norms. These voices set the stage for a broader conversation on how gender equality shapes democratic participation, visibility, and trust.
💬 Guest: Camilla Vedovato, Coordinator of ALDA’s Gender, Inclusion and Human Rights Hub, reflects on why gender equality is a democratic cornerstone, how awareness days like 25 November relate to civic participation, and what it means to mainstream inclusion across diverse local contexts.
Tune in to discover why gender equality is not just a rights issue, but a condition for a healthy, inclusive and participatory democracy.
Useful links:
ALDA Gender, Inclusion and Human Rights Hub ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/thematic-hubs/gender-inclusion-and-human-rights/ Â
YOUth in DEmocRAcy (YOU-DARE) Project ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/you-dare/Â
Listen on ALDA’s website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/alda-podcastÂ
Through street interviews, listeners hear how people define (and sometimes struggle to define) gender equality — from pay gaps to representation, from safety to shifting social norms. These voices set the stage for a broader conversation on how gender equality shapes democratic participation, visibility, and trust.
💬 Guest: Camilla Vedovato, Coordinator of ALDA’s Gender, Inclusion and Human Rights Hub, reflects on why gender equality is a democratic cornerstone, how awareness days like 25 November relate to civic participation, and what it means to mainstream inclusion across diverse local contexts.
Tune in to discover why gender equality is not just a rights issue, but a condition for a healthy, inclusive and participatory democracy.
Useful links:
ALDA Gender, Inclusion and Human Rights Hub ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/thematic-hubs/gender-inclusion-and-human-rights/ Â
YOUth in DEmocRAcy (YOU-DARE) Project ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/you-dare/Â
Listen on ALDA’s website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/alda-podcastÂ
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Welcome back to Shades of Democracy, the podcast by ALDA
where we explore democracy through the voices, choices and live
the experiences of people across Europe. I'm Manal and as
always i'm your host. We are releasing this conversation during
the week of twenty fifth of November, the International Day
for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and while ALDA
(00:41):
does not directly work in the field of gender based violence,
this date invites us to widen the lens because gender
equality is not only a social question nor only a
human rights matter. It is a democratic issue about who participates,
who feel safe, who is represented, and who still faces
(01:02):
barriers in everyday life. So today we explore gender equality
through that democratic perspective, how people understand it, how institutions
act on it, and how communities experience it. And before
we begin, I'm very pleased to welcome our guests for
this episode, Camilla Vedovato, coordinator of alda's Gender Inclusion and
(01:24):
Human Rights have Welcome Camilla.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Hello. We'll hear from her in.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Just a moment, but as always, we will start from
the ground, from the voices of people I met around Brussels,
sharing honest and sometimes uncertain reflections on what gender equality
means to them. I ask this question first, what does
gender equality mean to you? And here are some answers.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Well, I know a statistical based women stop getting paid
on November tent at eleven thirty, and if we're getting
paid the same as men, so I would love to
have that. I would love to be able to have
the same opportunities most men do with have jumping through
as many hurdles.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Gender equality to me means, for example, closing the gender
pay and in general, it means how to say treatment
of men and women in all the spheres of the
human life.
Speaker 5 (02:21):
I've had time to think about it, and I still
don't really have an answer. Like gender equality more than
what he said, also has to do with a shifting
understanding of gender and an acknowledgment of the separations that exist,
both like quantitatively and societally.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
These voices describe something interesting. Some people from gender equality
around pay and economic fairness. Others focus on broader social structures,
and some admit they are unsure how to define it.
And in a democracy, these differences matter. What people understand
or don't understand about equality influences how they perceive rights.
(03:03):
Safety and participation. And this brings me to our guest today, Camilla.
Welcome once again, and we will begin exactly from here.
You have just heard some of the street reflections I collected,
So from your perspective, why should gender equality be considered
the fundamental component of democracy rather than just a social
(03:26):
or cultural issue?
Speaker 6 (03:28):
Hello, Mana, and thank you for having me. I would
say that gender equality isn't just a social issue, but
it's a core democratic principle. Democracy is built on equal rights,
equal participation, and equal access to power. So if gender
shapes who gets heard and who decides or who benefits
(03:51):
from policies, then political equality is compromised. Ensuring gender equality
strengthens participation, represent and makes institutions more legitimate, and allows
everyone to participate.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Fully in public life.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
In short, without gender quality, democracy is incomplete.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Thank you very much, And before we continue, I want
to immediately bring in the second question that I asked,
which was do you know what day is marked on
the twenty fifth of November? And here's what people told
me for the.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Quality women's traits quality. I don't know, oh.
Speaker 5 (04:32):
That's a women's equality Day or like it's what's the
name nobody gender Equality Day, it's like inequalities with women
in like gender pick.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
Yeah, every day there is some kind of day celebrations,
so I don't drag them, you know.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
So once again, these answers reveal something else people intuitively
recognize in equality, many don't immediately associated with a specific
date or with the deeper meaning behind it. This makes
me think, if awareness days are meant to highlight an issue,
what does it mean when people struggle to connect with them.
(05:11):
Do we need new ways of talking about gender equality
that feel closer to everyday life, to democracy, to participation, Camilla,
let's explore this together. So, as I said, this episode
will be released on the twenty fifth of November. And
even though all does Work does not focus on gender
based violence directly, the date invites us a wider reflection
(05:34):
on safety, equality and democratic participation.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
So how do.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Awareness days like twenty fifth of November relate to all
those work on local democracy and civic participation? And how
can local communities contribute to environments where everyone can participate
equally and safely.
Speaker 6 (05:52):
Awareness days like the twenty fifth of November reinforce all
those work by highlighting the gender based violence is a
barrier to real democratic participation. They create moments where local authorities,
civil society and citizens can come together to recognize that safety,
dignity and also equal rights our essential conditions for engaging
(06:16):
in public life. And I would say that local communities
can support this by for sure, building safer, more inclusive environments,
while also improving local services and reporting mechanisms so to
promote gender sensitive policies and creative pubs, and creating public
(06:39):
spaces and civic processes where everyone, especially those who are
most at risk, can participate freely and confidently. In this way,
awareness days become catalysts for everyday democratic practice.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Thank you very much that it's very much interesting needed.
Let me do this wording game. I hope people really
are aware of the importance of these awareness days and
the main and the broader meaning let's say of such days.
So let me turn out to ALDA itself.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Could you explain what.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
The Gender Inclusion and Human Rights have to us within
the organization and how it supports alda's mission.
Speaker 6 (07:25):
Sure, the Gender Inclusion and Human Rights Hub in ALDA
is the part of the organization that ensures our work
on local democracy which truly includes everyone. It brings an
intersectional approach to all of our projects, looking at how gender, disability, age, migration, background,
(07:47):
or sexual orientation shape people's ability to participate in public life.
In practice, the hub developed tools, trainings, and project strategies
on gender equality, on anti discrimination, LGBTQI plus rights, and
it also helps local authorities and service society creates safer.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
And more inclusive environments.
Speaker 6 (08:12):
At the same time, it works internally, so the ALDA
applies these values in its some policies and partnerships. By
doing this, the hub strengthens alda's mission. It makes local
democracy more equitable, more representative, and ultimately more accessible for all.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Thank you, there is much clearer, and I hope also
for our audience it is much clear what our hub
works on and if you're interested, please check it out.
And another question related to this, so working across Europe,
the Balkans, the Caucuses, the As, what region and beyond
means navigating different contexts. Some communities are progressing, but in
(08:55):
some places rights are for a child or receding. So
watch challenges do you think out that faces in mainstreaming
gender and inclusion across such a diverse network And where
do you see encouraging developments in gender equality and inclusion,
but also where do you see wearing trends or backlash?
Speaker 6 (09:14):
So one of all those big girls' challenges, but also
richness is the diversity of its network. Different countries and
local authorities have different level of awareness of political sensitivity
about gender, of inclusion and capacity. In some places we
see great progress, while in others there's resistance or even
(09:36):
organized backlash.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
For example in the User project.
Speaker 6 (09:40):
This it shows very clearly because across Europe, certain for
right use movements use gender narratives to fuel exclusion and polarization,
which complicates any attempt to mainstream inclusion. At the same time,
there are encouraging developments. More local actors are other intersexual approaches.
(10:03):
They're investing in trainings, they're recognizing that inclusion is essential
for the democratic participation. But alongside this progress, we're also
seeing the rise of anti gender discourse and also normalization
of hay speech, and these trends highlight just how crucial
(10:23):
this work remains.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
I think this is very interesting, and of course you
mentioned one of the projects, which is you there. You
can find for our listeners the link to find out
more about the project. In the description of the episode,
but also we work on way more projects on the
topic and or related topics, so stay around to find
(10:47):
out more. Now to close, I would have a look forward.
So first question for you Camilla, what priorities or next
steps can we expect from Alda's gender inclusion and human
rights have in twenty six Okay, so I.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
Would say a few.
Speaker 6 (11:04):
First, stronger advocacy because the Hub will intensify policy dialogue
at both EU and local levels. Will engage institutions, society
and partners to promote equality, inclusion and human rights. The
idea is to position the Hub as a reference point
for good practices in inclusive democratic participation. Second, deeper members
(11:31):
mobilization others. Member will see more capacity building opportunities, new
training formats and practical toolkits designed to make gendermain streaming
and antidiscrimination approaches easier to implement in their daily work.
The Hub wants to broaden participation and make sure its
(11:51):
priorities circulate widely across the network.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Third, wider external engagement.
Speaker 6 (11:58):
We will do so through sub renting because the Hub
will support brass roots organization, local authorities, and community actors
to implement local initiatives on equality and inclusion, expanding the impact.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Beyond others membership.
Speaker 6 (12:16):
And finally, an important step for twenty twenty six would
be the creation of a Dedicator Gender Inclusion and Human
Rights community, which will be a participatory space where members, partners, experts,
and overall people who want to participate in this can
exchange knowledge, collaborate and also co develop resources and policy idea.
(12:42):
So overall, twenty twenty six will be about turning the
hubse work into a more connected, visible and impactful ecosystem.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
The strength and inclusive democracy across Europe.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
That looks amazing. I'm looking forward also being part of
the hub myself, I must admit very happily looking forward,
especially very curious to find out more about this community
that's going to be launched.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
So yeah, definitely happy.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
To know more. And last, but not least, I wanted
to ask you what structural changes in organizations, communities and
whatnot would you like to see becoming standard practice in
the coming years.
Speaker 6 (13:30):
I think the structural changes we need in the coming
years should go beyond small adjustment. They need to be
realistic enough to become standard practice for an organization and
company as well. A key shift is recognizing that Inclusion
isn't just a project or a department, but it's a
way organization and communities operate.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
So first of all, I would like.
Speaker 6 (13:55):
To see organizations redesign their internal systems so inclusion is
from the start, which means having transparent recruitment promotion processes,
leadership teams that are gender balanced and diverse, and decision
making structures that don't reproduce the same power imbalancies year
(14:15):
after year, so to use naw quotas as a last resort,
but clear targets and accountability. Second, we should also strengthen
safety and accountability mechanisms, so reporting discrimination or harassment should
be simple, protected and trusted. And instead of putting all
the responsibilities on individuals, the organization itself should be evaluated
(14:39):
on how safe and inclusive its environment actually is. And third,
communities need to also recinink participation so it works for
people with different realities, offering childcares, accessible formats, flexible meeting times,
multi lingual communication, also standardized places and formats without barriers
(15:07):
that should become standards and not exceptional. When we remove
practical barriers, we immediately see who was missing from the
conversation before. And finally, I would say that I like
to see stronger long term support for grassroots and community
led actors because they're the one who understands local needs,
(15:29):
especially on gender inclusion and human rights.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
Thanks, I would say that as we got closed in
this episode, one message becomes very clear to me. At
this point, gender equality is not only a matter of rights.
It is indeed a democratic condition described by manufacturers such
as the ones you mentioned, and it shapes how people
participates in public life, how safe they feel in their communities,
and whether their voices can be heard in institutions. The
(15:56):
reflections we heard reminded us that understand is uneven, and
some frame equality in terms of pay or representations, Others
link it to a broader social structure, and many are
unsure how to define it at all, and the gap
between experience, knowledge, and perception affects how democracy functions. The
(16:21):
twenty fifth of November is a reminder of the urgency
behind these conversations. It draws attention to the reality of
gender based violence, a persistent, widespread violation of human rights
that affects every community, every country, every social space. But
it also reminds us of something else we cannot think
(16:41):
about gender based violence only once a year, Awareness Days
pointed Spotlight. A meaningful change requires continuous work, sustained attention,
and collective responsibility. Thank you Camilla for this thoughtful conversation
and to everyone who shared their perspective with.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Honesty and openness.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
And if you have thoughts, reflections, or experiences you'd like
to share with us, we would be glad to hear
from you. This were Shades of Democracy. To learn more
about the topics discussed, you can find links in the
episode description, and of course don't forget to follow us
on social media until next time. Stay engaged, stay connected,
and keep shaping the future of democracy. You can find
(17:25):
that we're podcasts on Spotify, Sprecker, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Of course on Aldo's website.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Thank you, Camilla, and bye bye bye
Welcome back to Shades of Democracy, the podcast by ALDA
where we explore democracy through the voices, choices and live
the experiences of people across Europe. I'm Manal and as
always i'm your host. We are releasing this conversation during
the week of twenty fifth of November, the International Day
for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and while ALDA
(00:41):
does not directly work in the field of gender based violence,
this date invites us to widen the lens because gender
equality is not only a social question nor only a
human rights matter. It is a democratic issue about who participates,
who feel safe, who is represented, and who still faces
(01:02):
barriers in everyday life. So today we explore gender equality
through that democratic perspective, how people understand it, how institutions
act on it, and how communities experience it. And before
we begin, I'm very pleased to welcome our guests for
this episode, Camilla Vedovato, coordinator of alda's Gender Inclusion and
(01:24):
Human Rights have Welcome Camilla.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Hello. We'll hear from her in.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
Just a moment, but as always, we will start from
the ground, from the voices of people I met around Brussels,
sharing honest and sometimes uncertain reflections on what gender equality
means to them. I ask this question first, what does
gender equality mean to you? And here are some answers.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Well, I know a statistical based women stop getting paid
on November tent at eleven thirty, and if we're getting
paid the same as men, so I would love to
have that. I would love to be able to have
the same opportunities most men do with have jumping through
as many hurdles.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Gender equality to me means, for example, closing the gender
pay and in general, it means how to say treatment
of men and women in all the spheres of the
human life.
Speaker 5 (02:21):
I've had time to think about it, and I still
don't really have an answer. Like gender equality more than
what he said, also has to do with a shifting
understanding of gender and an acknowledgment of the separations that exist,
both like quantitatively and societally.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
These voices describe something interesting. Some people from gender equality
around pay and economic fairness. Others focus on broader social structures,
and some admit they are unsure how to define it.
And in a democracy, these differences matter. What people understand
or don't understand about equality influences how they perceive rights.
(03:03):
Safety and participation. And this brings me to our guest today, Camilla.
Welcome once again, and we will begin exactly from here.
You have just heard some of the street reflections I collected,
So from your perspective, why should gender equality be considered
the fundamental component of democracy rather than just a social
(03:26):
or cultural issue?
Speaker 6 (03:28):
Hello, Mana, and thank you for having me. I would
say that gender equality isn't just a social issue, but
it's a core democratic principle. Democracy is built on equal rights,
equal participation, and equal access to power. So if gender
shapes who gets heard and who decides or who benefits
(03:51):
from policies, then political equality is compromised. Ensuring gender equality
strengthens participation, represent and makes institutions more legitimate, and allows
everyone to participate.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Fully in public life.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
In short, without gender quality, democracy is incomplete.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Thank you very much, And before we continue, I want
to immediately bring in the second question that I asked,
which was do you know what day is marked on
the twenty fifth of November? And here's what people told
me for the.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Quality women's traits quality. I don't know, oh.
Speaker 5 (04:32):
That's a women's equality Day or like it's what's the
name nobody gender Equality Day, it's like inequalities with women
in like gender pick.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
Yeah, every day there is some kind of day celebrations,
so I don't drag them, you know.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
So once again, these answers reveal something else people intuitively
recognize in equality, many don't immediately associated with a specific
date or with the deeper meaning behind it. This makes
me think, if awareness days are meant to highlight an issue,
what does it mean when people struggle to connect with them.
(05:11):
Do we need new ways of talking about gender equality
that feel closer to everyday life, to democracy, to participation, Camilla,
let's explore this together. So, as I said, this episode
will be released on the twenty fifth of November. And
even though all does Work does not focus on gender
based violence directly, the date invites us a wider reflection
(05:34):
on safety, equality and democratic participation.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
So how do.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Awareness days like twenty fifth of November relate to all
those work on local democracy and civic participation? And how
can local communities contribute to environments where everyone can participate
equally and safely.
Speaker 6 (05:52):
Awareness days like the twenty fifth of November reinforce all
those work by highlighting the gender based violence is a
barrier to real democratic participation. They create moments where local authorities,
civil society and citizens can come together to recognize that safety,
dignity and also equal rights our essential conditions for engaging
(06:16):
in public life. And I would say that local communities
can support this by for sure, building safer, more inclusive environments,
while also improving local services and reporting mechanisms so to
promote gender sensitive policies and creative pubs, and creating public
(06:39):
spaces and civic processes where everyone, especially those who are
most at risk, can participate freely and confidently. In this way,
awareness days become catalysts for everyday democratic practice.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Thank you very much that it's very much interesting needed.
Let me do this wording game. I hope people really
are aware of the importance of these awareness days and
the main and the broader meaning let's say of such days.
So let me turn out to ALDA itself.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Could you explain what.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
The Gender Inclusion and Human Rights have to us within
the organization and how it supports alda's mission.
Speaker 6 (07:25):
Sure, the Gender Inclusion and Human Rights Hub in ALDA
is the part of the organization that ensures our work
on local democracy which truly includes everyone. It brings an
intersectional approach to all of our projects, looking at how gender, disability, age, migration, background,
(07:47):
or sexual orientation shape people's ability to participate in public life.
In practice, the hub developed tools, trainings, and project strategies
on gender equality, on anti discrimination, LGBTQI plus rights, and
it also helps local authorities and service society creates safer.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
And more inclusive environments.
Speaker 6 (08:12):
At the same time, it works internally, so the ALDA
applies these values in its some policies and partnerships. By
doing this, the hub strengthens alda's mission. It makes local
democracy more equitable, more representative, and ultimately more accessible for all.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Thank you, there is much clearer, and I hope also
for our audience it is much clear what our hub
works on and if you're interested, please check it out.
And another question related to this, so working across Europe,
the Balkans, the Caucuses, the As, what region and beyond
means navigating different contexts. Some communities are progressing, but in
(08:55):
some places rights are for a child or receding. So
watch challenges do you think out that faces in mainstreaming
gender and inclusion across such a diverse network And where
do you see encouraging developments in gender equality and inclusion,
but also where do you see wearing trends or backlash?
Speaker 6 (09:14):
So one of all those big girls' challenges, but also
richness is the diversity of its network. Different countries and
local authorities have different level of awareness of political sensitivity
about gender, of inclusion and capacity. In some places we
see great progress, while in others there's resistance or even
(09:36):
organized backlash.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
For example in the User project.
Speaker 6 (09:40):
This it shows very clearly because across Europe, certain for
right use movements use gender narratives to fuel exclusion and polarization,
which complicates any attempt to mainstream inclusion. At the same time,
there are encouraging developments. More local actors are other intersexual approaches.
(10:03):
They're investing in trainings, they're recognizing that inclusion is essential
for the democratic participation. But alongside this progress, we're also
seeing the rise of anti gender discourse and also normalization
of hay speech, and these trends highlight just how crucial
(10:23):
this work remains.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
I think this is very interesting, and of course you
mentioned one of the projects, which is you there. You
can find for our listeners the link to find out
more about the project. In the description of the episode,
but also we work on way more projects on the
topic and or related topics, so stay around to find
(10:47):
out more. Now to close, I would have a look forward.
So first question for you Camilla, what priorities or next
steps can we expect from Alda's gender inclusion and human
rights have in twenty six Okay, so I.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
Would say a few.
Speaker 6 (11:04):
First, stronger advocacy because the Hub will intensify policy dialogue
at both EU and local levels. Will engage institutions, society
and partners to promote equality, inclusion and human rights. The
idea is to position the Hub as a reference point
for good practices in inclusive democratic participation. Second, deeper members
(11:31):
mobilization others. Member will see more capacity building opportunities, new
training formats and practical toolkits designed to make gendermain streaming
and antidiscrimination approaches easier to implement in their daily work.
The Hub wants to broaden participation and make sure its
(11:51):
priorities circulate widely across the network.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Third, wider external engagement.
Speaker 6 (11:58):
We will do so through sub renting because the Hub
will support brass roots organization, local authorities, and community actors
to implement local initiatives on equality and inclusion, expanding the impact.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Beyond others membership.
Speaker 6 (12:16):
And finally, an important step for twenty twenty six would
be the creation of a Dedicator Gender Inclusion and Human
Rights community, which will be a participatory space where members, partners, experts,
and overall people who want to participate in this can
exchange knowledge, collaborate and also co develop resources and policy idea.
(12:42):
So overall, twenty twenty six will be about turning the
hubse work into a more connected, visible and impactful ecosystem.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
The strength and inclusive democracy across Europe.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
That looks amazing. I'm looking forward also being part of
the hub myself, I must admit very happily looking forward,
especially very curious to find out more about this community
that's going to be launched.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
So yeah, definitely happy.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
To know more. And last, but not least, I wanted
to ask you what structural changes in organizations, communities and
whatnot would you like to see becoming standard practice in
the coming years.
Speaker 6 (13:30):
I think the structural changes we need in the coming
years should go beyond small adjustment. They need to be
realistic enough to become standard practice for an organization and
company as well. A key shift is recognizing that Inclusion
isn't just a project or a department, but it's a
way organization and communities operate.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
So first of all, I would like.
Speaker 6 (13:55):
To see organizations redesign their internal systems so inclusion is
from the start, which means having transparent recruitment promotion processes,
leadership teams that are gender balanced and diverse, and decision
making structures that don't reproduce the same power imbalancies year
(14:15):
after year, so to use naw quotas as a last resort,
but clear targets and accountability. Second, we should also strengthen
safety and accountability mechanisms, so reporting discrimination or harassment should
be simple, protected and trusted. And instead of putting all
the responsibilities on individuals, the organization itself should be evaluated
(14:39):
on how safe and inclusive its environment actually is. And third,
communities need to also recinink participation so it works for
people with different realities, offering childcares, accessible formats, flexible meeting times,
multi lingual communication, also standardized places and formats without barriers
(15:07):
that should become standards and not exceptional. When we remove
practical barriers, we immediately see who was missing from the
conversation before. And finally, I would say that I like
to see stronger long term support for grassroots and community
led actors because they're the one who understands local needs,
(15:29):
especially on gender inclusion and human rights.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
Thanks, I would say that as we got closed in
this episode, one message becomes very clear to me. At
this point, gender equality is not only a matter of rights.
It is indeed a democratic condition described by manufacturers such
as the ones you mentioned, and it shapes how people
participates in public life, how safe they feel in their communities,
and whether their voices can be heard in institutions. The
(15:56):
reflections we heard reminded us that understand is uneven, and
some frame equality in terms of pay or representations, Others
link it to a broader social structure, and many are
unsure how to define it at all, and the gap
between experience, knowledge, and perception affects how democracy functions. The
(16:21):
twenty fifth of November is a reminder of the urgency
behind these conversations. It draws attention to the reality of
gender based violence, a persistent, widespread violation of human rights
that affects every community, every country, every social space. But
it also reminds us of something else we cannot think
(16:41):
about gender based violence only once a year, Awareness Days
pointed Spotlight. A meaningful change requires continuous work, sustained attention,
and collective responsibility. Thank you Camilla for this thoughtful conversation
and to everyone who shared their perspective with.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Honesty and openness.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
And if you have thoughts, reflections, or experiences you'd like
to share with us, we would be glad to hear
from you. This were Shades of Democracy. To learn more
about the topics discussed, you can find links in the
episode description, and of course don't forget to follow us
on social media until next time. Stay engaged, stay connected,
and keep shaping the future of democracy. You can find
(17:25):
that we're podcasts on Spotify, Sprecker, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Of course on Aldo's website.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Thank you, Camilla, and bye bye bye
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.