Speaking at the virtual Forum on Women’s Leadership, Transformations to Promote Gender Equality, the MEP said women’s sexual and reproductive rights, a struggle conducted in other parts of the world, are guaranteed in Cuba.

Pereira praised the Cuban woman´s leading role in science, arts and culture in general, as well as acknowledged the negative impact of the economic US blockade on the Cuba society and especially on the Cuban women.

In this regard, Pereira pointed out that the U.S. blockade hinders other nations to have access to Cuba´s important scientific breakthroughs.

Simona Petrozzi, a MEP, highlighted the common struggles for women´s empowerment and their economic contributions to the gross domestic product (GDP) through healthcare work.

Development depends on women´s involvement, said the Italian politician, who considered the need for a greater social commitment to policies designed to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination and violence to be highly relevant.

The more women, the greater legality, less corruption and more ethics, she said, while adding that if women were the ones who made decisions in countries at war, our planet would not be facing up current situation and there would be a greater peace.

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