Thank you, Mr. President,

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement.

We are deeply concerned by findings in the report that highlight multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination experienced by mothers. The persistent workplace discrimination and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care women face is unacceptable. While women’s participation in the labour market has increased significantly worldwide, the share of care responsibilities assumed by men and boys has grown only marginally. The meaningful engagement of men and boys in care responsibilities is essential to advancing gender equality. 

Moreover, pregnancy and parenthood must never be grounds for discrimination. In this regard, ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights is essential, as is safeguarding the rights to bodily integrity and autonomy. The decision to become a mother must be a free and informed choice, made without coercion, discrimination, or societal pressure.

At the same time, we are concerned by language in the report that conflates sex and gender and by approaches that stigmatize sex work in all its forms. In our view, the report reinforces gender stereotypes and undermines broader efforts to address the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination.

The Kingdom reaffirms its strong commitment to achieving gender equality and ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

Thank you.