A Feminist Critique of the European Constitution
A Feminist Critique of the European Constitution

Summary/Abstract: The deficiencies in the European Constitution can be approached from many perspectives; in this paper I will discuss the gender related issues. I have chosen to focus on the institution of marriage, on the unequal power relations within the traditional family and on how they alter women’s rights as human rights. In order to do so, I have analysed Part II of the proposed European Constitution, The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the Union (EU Constitution, 2004:2) which provides all citizens with human rights only in the public space. Since what occurs in private remains invisible to the public eye, most women cannot enjoy their ‘fundamental rights’ as their fellow men do. From my point of view, the proposed European Constitution does not represent women appropriately and ignores their particular problems and needs. They are silenced and invisible as the dominating discourse is a masculine one. I will support my view with arguments and examples in what follows.

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