Politicians for supporting women on International Women’s Day

Government officials emphasised the importance of further central support for women while opposition politicians called for ensuring them equal opportunities in society, public life, politics and employment on Friday, on International Women’s Day.

Improving the situation of women in Hungary is a government objective which is inseparable from its policy of supporting families raising children, the state secretary for family and youth affairs told a conference hosted by the club of young families in Budapest.

Katalin Novák noted government measures that include a three-year maternity leave, retirement option for women after 40 years of work and expanding creches capacity.

She also announced the launching of the Women for the Hungarian Nation Movement to promote the cause of family as a major force in holding the nation together.

Government spokesman István Hollik told the conference that the government’s responsibility is to support women and ensure them the free choice to decide whether to work or raise children or both.

Zsolt Molnár, leader of the opposition Socialists’ Budapest chapter, said the party supports setting a higher quota for women in politics. To this effect, the Socialists will field an increased number of women candidates on their lists in the municipal elections this autumn, he told a press conference.