Agenda Profile: Stig Rästa
Draft law (583 SE) for the second reading on accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and approval of amendment to Article 20(1) of the Convention.
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly value-driven, focusing on human rights, equality, and the elimination of discrimination. The speaker firmly supports acceding to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, viewing it as a moral commitment and a concrete action for the future of Estonia. He/She emphasizes that Estonia must strive for freedom, equality, and human rights in order to be an attractive country.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international law and human rights protection mechanisms, explaining in detail the functioning of the Optional Protocol and the procedure for submitting complaints to the UN. He is aware of the problems concerning the committee’s workload and inefficiency, and explains the proposed solution (amendment to Article 20, paragraph 1) aimed at making the committee’s work faster and more efficient.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate and persuasive, combining personal stories (the experiences of her husband, her daughters) with legal and moral arguments. The speaker uses emotional language to emphasize the severity of discrimination and the necessity for a change in the behavior of Estonian men, using expressions such as "Uncle Heino-like jokes," for example. The tone is rallying and future-oriented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct political opponents are not named, but the criticism is aimed at discriminatory behavior in society, particularly by men who allow themselves to engage in harassment. Also indirectly criticized are domestic mechanisms that are not always able to adequately protect victims or have operated unfairly.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls upon all members of the Riigikogu to support the draft legislation, stressing the importance of taking a unified moral position and expressing the wish that everyone in the chamber would support this opportunity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level (the protection of Estonian women, the transformation of the Estonian man) and the international level (the UN convention, the Swedish experience). Specific local or regional issues are not covered.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are linked to social equality, emphasizing the need to value everyone's work and contribution to society equally, regardless of gender. This indicates support for equal pay and equal opportunities in the workplace.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are at the heart of the speech, particularly women's rights, the elimination of sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. The speaker stresses the necessity of ensuring women have the opportunity to realize their full potential and calls for a change in the behavior and mindset of Estonian men.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is supporting the draft law (583 SE) on accession to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women at the second reading. The objective is to provide Estonian women with an international protection mechanism and to approve the amendment to Article 20, paragraph 1 of the Convention.
1 Speeches Analyzed