Belgium’s ‘Arizona’ Government Deal Slammed as ‘Step Backwards’ for Women’s Rights

Brussels, Belgium — On International Women’s Rights Day, the Secular Action Centre (Centre d’Action Laïque, CAL) issued a stark warning about the implications of Belgium’s new Federal ‘Arizona’ Government agreement, describing it as “a real step backwards for women’s autonomy and rights.”

The organisation’s concerns span from the underrepresentation of women in key government roles to policies that it argues disproportionately harm women economically and socially.

The CAL’s criticism began with the composition of the new government, which includes only four women ministers and excludes them entirely from the “core cabinet” of deputy prime ministers.

The organisation also highlighted the absence of an “explicit priority” for gender equality within the agreement, noting that the term appears solely in sections addressing asylum and immigration.

Economic Policies Criticised
The CAL expressed particular concern about the socio-economic measures outlined in the agreement, describing the proposed pension and labour market reforms as “a disaster in the making” for women.

According to the organisation, these reforms would disproportionately affect women working part-time, those with interrupted careers, and single mothers, further entrenching economic inequality.

Moreover, the decision to maintain the status of cohabitant and merely reduce the marital quotient, rather than abolishing it, was condemned by the CAL. These measures, they argue, perpetuate financial dependencies that disadvantage women.

Reproductive Rights at Risk
The government’s stance on abortion was also a focal point of CAL’s criticism. Despite broad scientific support for extending the legal period for voluntary termination of pregnancy to 18 weeks and eliminating the compulsory reflection period, the new agreement only commits to continuing the debate.

The CAL labelled this position as “culpable inaction,” accusing the government of sacrificing sexual and reproductive rights “on the altar of political compromise.”

Increased Vulnerability for Women
Other contentious measures include the gradual abolition of the survivor’s pension, the extension of working hours—including nights and Sundays—and increased pressure on individuals on long-term sick leave.

The CAL warned that these policies would exacerbate the vulnerability of women, particularly those in precarious situations.

The organisation also condemned the government’s approach to parental leave reform, which stopped short of mandating compulsory paternity leave.

By doing so, the CAL argues, the agreement preserves an unequal distribution of family responsibilities between men and women.

Call for Action
In a scathing conclusion, the Secular Action Centre stated that “far from promoting equality, this federal agreement favours a handful of already privileged men and condemns women to remain in the shadows.”

The organisation is calling on the government to make gender equality a genuine political priority, urging immediate revisions to the current agreement.

As the debate over these policies continues, women’s rights groups across Belgium are expected to intensify their campaigns for a more inclusive and equitable government agenda.