Improving the social situation of children, youth and women

I was the last child among 4 boys and 4 girls. The influence of my parents and siblings during my childhood was very important in shaping my personality. There was a constant confrontation of ideas and the need to establish rules, strategies and negotiate. That is probably one of the reasons why at an early age I became interested in politics and the humanities.

Being a young mother in my first job as a lawyer, I had to endure some prejudice against a woman pursuing a career. It was a daily battle, but I know from experience that it is possible to overcome difficulties if we complete our tasks with dedication and passion.

That is why my parliamentary work mainly concerns social issues and women’s rights. Employment, safety at work and health belong to these social issues, which I am passionate about.

Tackling youth unemployment through better education

With youth unemployment in Southern Europe exceptionally high, as a Portuguese MEP and mother of 3 children, I am also very engaged in calling for attention to measures to reduce problems that affect youth, in particular that of unemployment. This is why I was Rapporteur (responsible for Parliament's position) on the Agenda for New Skills and Jobs.

There is an eminent need to improve basic skills, as well as skills in science, innovation, IT and communication and in foreign languages Regina Bastos

It is my duty to inform young people that there are 1.4 million job vacancies not filled. There is an eminent need to improve basic skills, as well as skills in science, innovation, IT and communication and in foreign languages, in addition to the need to tackle school drop-out rates and improve work-life balance.

Combatting violence against children and women

It is estimated that in the Member States, 12 women are killed by their partners or family members on a daily basis; more than one in ten women have experienced some sort of sexual violence and 26% of children and youths have reported cases of physical violence during their upbringing. Unfortunately, tackling violence against children, youth and women is still a priority.

In the Member States, 12 women are killed by their partners or family members on a daily basis

I was the Rapporteur for the Daphne programme, the only European programme contributing towards the protection of children, youth and women against all forms of violence.

Proposing concrete solutions to the problems of European citizens, based on solidarity and social justice, and so giving them hope for the future, is part of my mission here in the European Parliament.

We believe in people. #believeinpeople