“Krone” interview – State Councilor Pawlata wants to change role model

“crown”:Ms. Pawlata, are you used to your new role as State Councillor?
Eva Pavlata: I already got a pretty good overview and met the first network partners, also saw the first questions and the most important problems.

What are the main issues?
We are in the middle of a wave of inflation that affects all departments. In addition, there are new figures on poverty: every seventh Tyrolean has to live on the poverty line or is even below it, which is a huge number. Clearly something needs to be done about it, and that should be the top priority. We have the Inflation Council for this, which I think is a good tool. Of course, different functions come together, of which my function as a social worker is a very important one. If you don’t take into account the base of society – that is, those who work for little money and really can’t live anymore – then I don’t know where this will lead.

shecome from the field of victim protection – which points can you finally implement as a politician?
One point that is also included in the government’s program is that the social institutions that work with victims of violence are well-funded. Throughout Tyrol we have far too few places in women’s shelters. Fortunately, we get a women’s shelter in the Oberland. The expansion of more places in the women’s shelters is also part of our government program.

Violence against women is, of course, a huge problem. Where do you see possible solutions?
The keywords should be violence prevention, awareness raising and reconsideration of role models. This is key to getting women into work, accessing the education system, distributing care for family members and children more equitably, and empowering women.

In theory everyone is for equal rights, in practice things often look different.
By creating childcare places, which we want to implement during this period, more women can get a job. Women also fall into the trap of part-time work. That has a lot to do with role models. Role models cannot be changed in two or three years. We need awareness campaigns, even if they cost something. But that’s hardboard nailing.

Awareness that also targets men?
Of course, the role model of men is also established. With women, on the one hand, they are expected to stay at home, on the other, they complain that they have no career. It is the same with men. I believe many men want to stay home with the kids. The entrenched role models are also noticeable in the wording. If they say: “I help my wife with the housework.” But the man does not help the woman, it should be a shared job, the housework concerns both of them.

More women than men are affected by poverty – is the solution here to get women fully employed?
I think that’s a key. The system in countries where it is normal for a woman to return to work after six months and the woman is not stigmatized if she gives the child to someone else after six months, I think is a forward-looking system.

What have you brought with you from your many years as director of the Violence Protection Center Tyrol?
experience with the press. Then I know something about the social institutions in Tyrol. And most importantly, working with people. I know where the needs are.

People with disabilities still do not have unfettered access to higher education. What would be possible solutions for this?
It is quite clear that people with disabilities are still disadvantaged. In any case, I am in favor of people with disabilities being involved in developments – because they are the professionals, we should take their views into account.

They are also committed to better access to abortions throughout Tyrol.
Low-threshold access must be possible – both locally and financially. You have to empower the person so that he can make his own decisions. I don’t have to judge whether she decides for or against an abortion.