Nobody likes cleaning out the dishwasher

The photo taken in December 2018 at the swearing-in ceremony of the new blue-red-green coalition in the Grand Ducal Palace makes it clear that equality between women and men is still an issue. The male members of the government are pictured standing with their legs apart in the front row, while the five female ministers had to settle for the second row. Even if the whole thing was supposedly a matter of protocol, this picture made it clear that the Ministry of Equal Opportunities, which has since been renamed the Ministry of Equality between Women and Men (MEGA), has not lost its right to exist.

The incumbent Taina Bofferding (LSAP), who even before taking office (in her capacity as Minister of Home Affairs) had to contend with sexist remarks from the union of municipal staff ("this fresh, female face", "but fresh young blood is good for you"), will probably have enough to do in this ministry in the coming years.

We met the cheerful but busy minister last Friday on the premises of MEGA, after the interview had to be postponed twice due to other commitments. Unfortunately, Taina Bofferding did not have too much time even on the third attempt. 

Lëtzebuerger Journal: You are the Minister of Equality between Women and Men. Why don't you also invite, as you do every year on the occasion of International Women's Day, to a press conference on International Men's Day, which is celebrated every year on November 19, but without anyone noticing?

Taina Bofferding: (laughs) Of course, this day is also on our radar and we also do something. For example, on the occasion of the last World Men's Day, we had produced a video featuring men who work in the educational field. 

Oh yeah? 

Yes.

Are you a feminist?

Yes!