Croatian President writes back to BEST students!
We are happy with the fact that through BEST we empower students to question authority, develop their critical thinking and the capacity for dialogue. Students of the Medical School in Osijek sent their dilemmas and questions on gender equality to the President of the Republic of Croata, Mr. Milanović and received an answer!
Here is the unofficial translation of his letter:
"Dear students of Medical school Osijek, class 1F,
I would like to thank you for choosing me, the President of the Republic of Croatia, within the BEST project coordinated by the Centre for Peace Studies and sending me questions about women’s rights and the fight for an equal society.
Croatian society and Croatian history bare witness to generations of brave and persistent women that have pushed personal and societal boundaries and have along that path been challenged by all those who were against their rights and are still today trying to deny women their right for equality and their right to choose. Nevertheless, Croatian society has undoubtedly progressed and gender equality is a constitutional value. It is an indisputable fact that it has not taken root in all segments and pores of society, and in order to have a truly just society and a society that is economically, socially and culturally advanced, achieving full gender equality is one of the key prerequisites.
Gender equality is not achieved overnight and I am sure that pressure needs to be exerted, and that is the task of both the state and the public sector. Without quotas as incentives, for example, nothing will be achieved. Here the state and the public sector are at the forefront and their task is to impose a standard that the private sector will also have to adhere to.
Although I am the President of the Republic of Croatia, I personally do not write laws. This is done by the Croatian Parliament and proposed by the Government of the Republic of Croatia or a Member of Parliament. As president, I protect the Constitution, human rights and freedoms. I believe that I do this systematically and consistently, as I try to support all those who persistently advocate for equality that is the foundation of every civilized society. Therefore, I am especially glad that you have chosen a solidarity workshop and that you are questioning these topics and the views of politicians. That is your duty as equal citizens and I wish you, sincerely and from the heart, to persevere on that path, to live your values and choices and, perhaps, to present hope and inspiration to those generations for whom you will push the boundaries."