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Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005)
Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005)
Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005)
This summary has been archived and will not be updated, because the summarised document is no longer in force or does not reflect the current situation.
Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005)
1) OBJECTIVE
To establish a framework for action providing for gender mainstreaming in all Community activities in such a way that they help to attain the goal of removing inequalities and promoting gender equality.
2) ACT
Commission Communication of 7 June 2000: "Towards a Community framework strategy on gender equality (2001-2005)" [COM(2000) 335 final - Not published in the Official Journal].
3) SUMMARY
This Communication aims to contribute to the fight against gender inequality in economic, political, civil and social life. The framework strategy is based on a dual-track approach. On the one hand, it aims for gender mainstreaming in all Community policies having a direct or indirect impact on the gender equality objective (proactive intervention). Alongside this overall approach, the framework strategy proposes, on the other hand, the introduction of special measures for women; these are still needed to remove persistent gender inequalities. This mainstreaming approach marks a major change compared to past Community action in this area which was based mainly on separate activities and programmes.
To develop the horizontal and coordinating actions, the Commission also proposes a supporting programme for the framework strategy to provide back-up for organising awareness-raising campaigns, improving data collection and implementing transnational projects.
The proposed framework strategy encompasses five inter-related fields of action, each one having different operational objectives: economic life, equal participation and representation, social rights, civil life, and gender roles and stereotypes.
Promoting gender equality in economic life
The Lisbon European Council of March 2000 invited the Commission and the Member States to further all aspects of equal opportunities in employment policies, including reducing occupational segregation and helping to reconcile working and family life. In this context, the Commission strategy sets three operational objectives:
Promoting equal participation and representation
The persistent under-representation of women in all areas of decision-making sustains a democratic deficit which requires differing measures to meet the following objectives:
Promoting equal access and full enjoyment of social rights for women and men
Equal access and full enjoyment of social rights are among the pillars of all democratic societies. Yet many women do not have equal access to social rights because some of these rights are based on an outdated male breadwinner model and do not take into account the fact that women predominantly carry the burden of having to reconcile family and working life. Many social protection systems perpetuate this outdated model which partly explains the feminisation of poverty in the European Union. The Community actions will therefore need to aim at:
Promoting gender equality in civil life
This theme aims to strengthen and further the development of the enforcement mechanisms of the equal treatment legislation, together with better awareness of and training on equality rights and the human rights of women. The measures will be orientated towards training on equality legislation for the legal profession and informing NGOs about this legislation. Particular attention needs to be paid to women who are subject to multiple discriminations (such as migrant women or women with disabilities) or women who face violence and/or sexual exploitation. The EU has set in place a European-wide policy to combat violence against and trafficking in women, notably through the STOP programme, and subsequently the DAPHNE initiative and the new DAPHNE programme (2002-2003). Further action in this area is still needed however and will involve:
Promoting change of gender roles and stereotypes
This area of action aims to address the need to change behaviour, attitudes, norms and values which define and influence gender roles in society through education, the media, arts, culture and science in particular. Eliminating prejudices and stereotypes is paramount for the establishment of gender equality. The Commission accordingly proposes to undertake the following measures with the aim of:
4) implementing measures
5) follow-up work
Report [COM(2003) 98 final - Not yet published in the Official Journal]
Commission report of 3 March 2003: Annual Report on Equal Opportunities for women and men in the European Union 2002
A status report on the strategy is set out in the annual Commission reports on equal opportunities for women and men in the EU including the above 2002 report.
Last updated: 08.05.2003