The problems young parents face were discussed in Brussels on AKEL’s initiative
8 March 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
A hearing – discussion on “Young parents and the problems they face today” was held in Brussels.
The debate was a continuation of the campaign organised by AKEL entitled “Young Parents at the Forefront”, in an effort to bring the problems, needs and concerns of young parents to the forefront.
The debate focused on three themes:
- Housing, from a right to a privilege
- The need for a network of childcare and employment infrastructure and working parents.
- Vulnerable groups (single parents, large families, people with disabilities)
The problems both in Cyprus and at a European level in general were highlighted, the needs were pointed out and specific proposals for solutions were presented.
More specifically, the widening of social inequalities in Cyprus and across Europe, the prevailing austerity policies and cuts, the attacks on labour rights, the shortage of essential goods and inflationary pressures were underlined which make the serious and long-lasting problems and deficits in social policy more obvious.
Europe, and especially Cyprus, must adopt a modern and progressive social policy for children and families, with public structures, infrastructures, benefits and programmes that meet the needs and responsibilities of working parents.
Both childcare and parental support are a social responsibility, and states have an obligation to project a vision, develop long-term planning and allocate resources.
Participants in the debate included: Andros Kafkalias – AKEL MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, Evanthia Savva – Head of the Social Policy Sector of AKEL, Anna Vassalou – scientific advisor of the Communist Party of Greece, Marques Afonso, scientific advisor of the Portuguese Communist Party, Proksanova Petra, Marketing specialist, doctoral student of the Faculty of Humanities of the Charles University in the field of Historical Sociology, Maria Ioannidou – Head of the Family Policy Office of AKEL, Marina Andreou – Head of the Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of AKEL.
08.03.2024
