The European Lotteries (EL) is celebrating International Women’s Day, declaring that women play an important role in the lottery sector and that they deserve recognition.
The umbrella organisation of national lotteries also added that gender equality in the workplace is crucial for the advancement of society and ensuring fairness and inclusion of all.
The EL is urging the lottery sector to ‘continue to empower women and recognise their important societal role,’ as a commitment to society is one of its core lottery values.
Stéphane Pallez, President & CEO, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), 1st Vice President, EL Executive Committee, said: “Lotteries have a role to play in the necessary evolution towards more gender diversity. They can make a big difference for women in many fields where they are not visible enough, allowing them to assume higher responsibility based on their abilities and to be fairly rewarded for their contributions.
“As a result of FDJ’s commitment to gender equality in the workplace, the proportion of women in management roles rose from 34% in 2015 to 42% in 2020, in line with the proportion of women employees in the company. It also applies to the Group’s Executive Committee.”
Romana Dernovšek, President & CEO, Loterija Slovenije d.d., EL Executive Committee Member, added: “International Women’s Day is not only about women or a gender equality question, it is about a much wider social issue. It is about fairness, inclusion and quality of life of everyone. It is about equal opportunities for all. Working together at the top and at every level of an organisation is a great learning opportunity for both genders.
“It also holds an immense potential for any lottery and society as a whole. We have come a long way since 1911. But there is still a lot of work to be done, so today we can only celebrate our success to a certain extent. We have to keep improving. Every day. And as a good friend of mine said: ‘Let’s teach our children as a part of a curriculum that the 8th of March is not about our mothers loving flowers.’”
Iva Zorko, Policy Officer, EL, stated: “Despite more than a 100 years of fighting, we are still a long way away from achieving full gender parity. As we mark International Women’s Day 2021, let us all take a moment to reflect on how – each of us within our own remit – we can actively contribute to finally closing the gender gap and making the world a fairer and more equal place.”
Jennifer Jachimow, Events Officer, EL, commented: “Sadly the COVID-19 crisis is threatening to set back some of the progress made in recent years on the journey towards gender equality. Let’s celebrate women’s courage and determination today and make 2021 the year to undertake greater efforts to achieve a truly gender equal world, which will be a better world for everyone!”
Mélissa Jacquérioz, CSR, Data and Membership Officer, EL, said: “The pandemic has once again demonstrated the crucial role played by women, who are often on the front line in dealing with the virus. Their professional inclusion and recognition at all levels, as well as gender equality in the workplace, are therefore essential for the advancement of our society.”
Lucy Lenaers-Mathieson, Communications Officer, EL, added: “One year ago our world was turned upside down. By becoming a mother during a pandemic, I have realised once again just how resilient women are. On International Women’s Day, I applaud the work of all the women around us who are instrumental in supporting society – from health care workers to world leaders.”
