(2004/C 78 E/0700)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3846/03

by Maj Theorin (PSE) to the Commission

(12 December 2003)

Subject:   Women and conflict

The report on participation of women in peaceful conflict resolution adopted by Parliament in November 2000 (A5-0308/2000) describes how women are in all conflicts exposed to rape and other attacks but very seldom allowed to participate in the peace process. The UN report entitled Women, War and Peace' from 2002 covering the same subject as the above report proposes measures for empowering women.

What action is the Commission prepared to take to increase women's participation in the entire peace process?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 2004)

It is indeed necessary to take practical steps to ensure the full participation of women and the integration of the gender perspective in peace and security issues.

Within its areas of responsibility the Commission will continue to work to effectively address the gender aspects of crisis management and conflict prevention. The Commission's ‘twin track approach’ to gender mainstreaming ensures not only the integration of gender issues at the policy level, but also the support of specific gender programmes and projects. Moreover, all EU assistance includes the gender dimension as an assessment criteria. It should be noted that the Commission's approach to gender mainstreaming is subject to regular review and debate with the Member States.

Examples of practical steps the Commission has taken include support for specific actions — such as in Angola, where it has promoted the establishment of stronger links amongst women's groups, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and others; or in Cyprus, where it has supported inter-community initiatives launched by women; or in Afghanistan, where it has rehabilitated women's meeting places, such as hammams; or in Chechnya, where it has funded mother and child healthcare.

Additionally, the inclusion of a gender module in the core component of the Community's pilot courses for civilian crisis management is a concrete step toward sensitising policy makers on the importance of including a gender perspective in peace building missions. To date 260 experts have been trained by training institutions located in nine different Member States.