Session Profile: Reili Rand
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-20
Political Position
The political focus centers on the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This ratification is strongly backed, viewed both as a moral imperative and an international obligation. The stance is values-driven, underscoring women's rights as fundamental human rights and highlighting the crucial importance of gender equality. Those who dismiss equal opportunities as mere unnecessary bureaucracy draw criticism, and the continued failure to ratify is widely regarded as a decades-long outstanding debt.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding gender equality in both international and domestic contexts, referencing the CEDAW Convention, the recommendations of its Geneva Report, and the Beijing Platform for Action. Specific statistical data is utilized concerning the wage gap (which has decreased to 11.7%), women's representation (31% in the Riigikogu), and intimate partner violence (41%) in Estonia. This expertise is further supported by knowledge of international studies (McKinsey) and the substance of relevant EU directives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, formal, and insistent, conveying frustration and offense regarding the ridicule the topic has faced from colleagues. The speaker balances emotional appeals (moral obligation, the vulnerability of women) with strong logical arguments, drawing upon international law, research, and statistics. The speech concludes with a clear call for ratification on behalf of the Social Democrats.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The discussion takes place during the plenary session, which includes both questioning the minister and delivering a longer keynote address in support of the proposed bill. Reference is also made to the Estonian delegation's participation in Geneva last spring for the defense of the CEDAW report, highlighting the country's commitment to international cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Fierce criticism has been leveled against colleagues in the EKRE and Isamaa factions. They stand accused of ridiculing the issue of women's equal opportunities and branding it as unnecessary bureaucracy. The criticism is intense and values-driven, stressing that the opponents fail to grasp the fundamental significance of the matter.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the Social Democrats parliamentary group, urging members of the Riigikogu to ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW. There is no information available regarding cooperation with other factions or any willingness to compromise on the issue of ratification.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on international obligations (UN, CEDAW, the European Union) and at the national level (Estonian laws, the Riigikogu, and companies in which the state and local municipalities hold a stake). Estonia's situation is compared to the EU average indicators, and Latvia is mentioned as the only other EU country that has not joined the protocol.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the direct positive impact of gender diversity on economic growth, innovation, and the competitive advantage of companies, citing international studies. Support is given to regulations that require gender balance in corporate governing bodies (implementation of the EU directive) in order to avoid penalties imposed on the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is gender equality, focusing on eliminating the wage gap, increasing women's representation in governing bodies, and combating intimate partner violence. It is stressed that women remain in a more vulnerable position, and the protection of their rights is a matter of societal concern.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the swift ratification of the Optional Protocol to the CEDAW Convention, a measure for which the speaker acts as both an initiator and a strong proponent. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the necessity of implementing changes in state- and municipality-owned enterprises to comply with the EU directive on gender balance, the deadline for which is rapidly approaching.
3 Speeches Analyzed