Abstract:
The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the complex system of aid through which the European Union relates to the women of the Mediterranean area.
The dissertation is introduced by a short historical framework, which trades the evolution of European institutions in the euro-mediterranean area, from the Barcelona Process, to the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Union for the Mediterranean. This section explores the policies dedicated to the respect of human rights and women’s rights in this geographical area, starting from the Sixties and arriving to the Arab revolutions of 2011.
Later on, a theoretical framework is drawn, exploring the existing literature about the research subject and the contextual factors that have a strong influence on its evolution. The analysis is subdivided into three main sections: rhetorical, which outlines the ideologies and identity politics laying behind the relationship between the Mediterranean shores; legislative, which frames the institutionalization of gender mainstreaming; and geopolitical, which delves into the relationship between aid and strategic geopolitical interests.
After designing a theoretical framework, the work moves on to the actual study of the programmes in favour of women, focusing on the programs implemented at a regional level by the European Neighbourhood Partnership, in the years between 2006 and 2014.
Next, it sketches the regional aid programmes implemented by the Union of the Mediterranean, stressing the differences between these and the ENP Programmes.
Finally, the last chapter of the thesis outlines the current situation, focusing on the Italian Semester at the European Union and alluding to the NissaTV project, recently implemented throughout the whole region.
