Tamara Funiciello calls for constitutional reform to protect women

Donald Trump’s campaign against women’s rights alarmed SP national councilor Tamara Funiciello. A feminist backlash can also be observed in Switzerland, says the Co-President of the SP women in an interview. Your answer to this: a constitutional offensive.

Mrs. Funiciello, right -wing influencer like Andrew Tat propagate women’s hatred, President Trump attacks the right to abortion in the United States, Violence against women are increasing: What development is the most worried to you as a feminist?

Tamara Funiciello: Has of women is socially acceptable again – not hidden, but online, at home, on the street, in the highest offices in politics. We have to recognize that all of this is related. Antifeminism is not a marginal phenomenon, but a strategy of the right. It serves to create a broad alliance – from conservative, conspiracy theorists and men who feel socially deployed. That is exactly why feminism is the number one feminism: because it wants equality and freedom for everyone. And that is the opposite of right -wing, patriarchal fantasies.

One thesis is that the louder and more successful the feminist movement, the more the pendulum is now. So were feminists like them too radical – and that revenues?

To say that the demands for the same rights, financial independence and security are too radical and guilt for the backlash is exactly the strategy of the right. Yes, there is a paradox that, especially in countries in which equality is the farthest, gender -specific violence is particularly high. But the answer to this cannot be that we are silent. Because equality is the condition for a society free of gender -specific violence.

Do you also fear a feminist backlash in Switzerland?

It has long been there. We see it with the widow’s pensions, maternity leave or the increase in female. The proportion of women in parliament has dropped again. And figures like Andrew Tate also strongly influence young men here. What happens in the United States can also happen here. In Switzerland too, women’s right to self -determination is limited – just think of the ban on burka.

At the same time, two anti-abbreviation initiatives have already failed at the collective stage, the parliament has decided higher daycare contributions, And they themselves celebrated a success with the new sexual criminal law. It goes forward in Switzerland, not backwards.

Yes, there is progress, that’s right. But you have to look closely: the daycare law is not yet dry and a drop on the hot stone. The new sexual criminal law is a milestone, but it is massive when implementing in the cantons. I don’t want to talk the successes small, but all of these impulses came in the last legislature.

The SP women have recently passed a new strategy paper. In it they demand “feminist constitutional revision”. What do you imagine?

We want the elementary fundamental rights of women to be explicitly anchored in the constitution – as a bastion against antifeminism. First, the fundamental right to financial autonomy should be laid down, for example, equality and that childcare and unpaid care work should not lead to poverty. Second, we are calling for a fundamental right to physical self -determination. And thirdly, the right to protection against patriarchal violence.

The equality of wage has long been anchored in the federal constitution.

Switzerland is still one of the final lights when it comes to equality. The fact is: Around 40 percent of mothers in this country are dependent on their partner. If there are problems in the relationship, even violence, many women lack economic independence in order to separate. This is a political reality that we have to face – and that we want to change.

With a new constitutional article, these women do not suddenly have more money in their account.

Of course not. But the constitution is the foundation of our social coexistence. Fundamental rights are anchored there.

Why don’t you fight for the most tangible and realistic measures – instead of formulating abstract constitutional items that have no immediate consequence?

We do both. Constitutional provisions create a protective wall, they secure important achievements and force politics to implement measures. In our society we have the illusion that progress is irreversible. But a look at the USA shows us as an example of how quickly rights can be abolished again.

The SP women also call for an investment package for equality. In your opinion, what does the federal government have to take more money for?

More has to happen in childcare. It is absurd how expensive it is to reconcile gainful employment and family. In addition, further means of combating gender -specific violence is required. All – from left to right – say that you have to act. But as soon as it is about money, everyone is ducking away.

Where should the money come from for all of these measures?

When it comes to women, you always hear the question: where should the money come from? But if an additional billion franc is needed for artillery ammunition, it is simply waved through-without clear financing. That is also part of right -wing strategies.

What happens with all of these demands?

We will bring in our demands as parliamentary initiatives. We hope for the support of women from all political camps. At the same time, pressure from the street is needed: the feminist strike on June 14th is imminent.

Maternity protection is to talk in parliament. Civil national councils want to “flexible” mother and paternity holidays, that is: shake maternity leave on the 14 weeks.

This is simply incredible and makes me angry. Let’s look at the statistics: only about 18 percent of women come back to the workplace after the 14 weeks of maternity leave. Who can afford it. If the 14 weeks are questioned, this is especially what women who cannot afford to stay at home longer.

Do you really think the claim is majority?

My concern is that the parliament as a counter-proposal to the family time initiative forge a compromise. One who ultimately means a deterioration in the situation for many women.

The initiative demands 18 weeks for mothers and fathers – there is a lot of scope for a compromise that goes beyond the previous minimum.

Already guarantee total employment contracts in some industries 18 weeks of maternity leave – for example in retail. Should a counter-proposal come about that throws back women, the SP women will fight him with all your might-if necessary also with a referendum.