Forum on the future of gender equality in the EU
Published:
On 20.4.-21.4.2015, ETUCE actively contributed to the Forum on the future of gender equality in the EU, which was organised in Brussels under the auspices of Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality
The event brought together approximately 250 representatives from EU institutions, national ministries, international organisations, social partners, civil society, academia and companies. It provided stakeholders active in the field of promoting gender equality the opportunity to learn from other key stakeholders and to exchange ideas for effectively achieving a gender equal society in the EU. As part of the ETUC delegation to the event, ETUCE reinforced the crucial role of trade unions regarding gender equality at the workplace and highlighted the important contributions that teacher unions and education staff make in combating gender stereotypes in education and labour market segregation in general. With a view to promote quality education for all, equal opportunities need to be part of initial teacher training and continuous professional development of teachers. Other issues brought forward in the discussion concerned raising the attractiveness of the profession for men as well as the stronger link between research outcome and practical implementation in education institutions.
Gender equality is a cross-cutting societal issue that affects all women and men in the EU, in all areas of life. The forum covered issues from decision-making, employment and pay, to health, digital society, development and gender-based violence. Participants were encouraged to collectively develop policy solutions, which were previewed by high-level politicians and representatives from the European Parliament and Member States.
Find out more about the event at: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/gender-equality/news/150420_en.htm