Monthly information newsletter on gender equality in time of the Slovenian EU presidency
"250 million women in the EU. Not a single one good enough?" is the title of the campaign for appointing at least one woman among four leaders of the European Union. During the coming 12 months, four politicians will be appointed as leaders of the EU. Once the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by all 27 Member States, two new permanent positions will be introduced: a Council President (permanent President of the European Council) and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. After the elections to the European Parliament in June 2009, another two top positions will be opened up: a President of the European Parliament and a Commission President. Currently in the European Commission 67% of the commissioners are men, 33% are women; in the European Parliament 69% of the MEP’s are men, 31% are women; in the Committe of Regions 84% of the members are men, 16% are women; in the Economic and Social Committee 77% of the members are men, 23% are women. Also leading political positions in Member States are dominated by men: out of 27 prime ministers only one is a woman, 26 are men; out of the states' presidents two are women, 18 are men; 75% of senior ministers are men, 25% are women; four of the parliament presidents are women, 23 are men; 76% of members of national parliaments are men, 24% are women. The Treaty of Lisbon introduces the principle of participatory democracy with a "citizen's initiative" which requires the signatures from a minimum of 1 million EU citizens from a significant number of Member States. With 1 million signatures, the Commission can be asked to take action to secure that the EU fulfils the Treaty's goal of gender equality, starting with the upcoming nominations. If you wish to see at least one female appointed as leader of the European Union, sign the petition here. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
On behalf of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, Anna Záborská presented to the European Parliament an oral question on forced prostitution and trafficking in women for the purpose of sexual exploitation: Has the action plan been implemented regarding trafficking for sexual exploitation, what is the result and how effective has it been? What specific measures have been reported by Member States in order to combat trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation? To what extent have Member States correctly transposed and implemented Directive 2004/81/EC? What actions has the Commission taken if this is not the case? When will the study on the links between the legislation on prostitution and the extent of trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation, requested by the European Parliament Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality since January 2006, be available? Can the Commission indicate if and how it intends to encourage Member States to build on and further develop cross-border police cooperation in the field of the fight against trafficking in human beings and forced prostitution? How can the Commission support the Committee's "Red Card to Forced Prostitution" campaign? (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
Achievements of the Slovenian Presidency in the area of gender equality were presented at the meeting of the European Parliament Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), held in Brussels on June 6th 2008. The Slovenian Presidency has continued to fulfil the commitments set forth in the Trio Presidency Declaration (Germany, Portugal, Slovenia) "Towards Gender Equality in the European Union" and "Towards Gender Equality in the European Union – in relation to the Lisbon Strategy". The Slovenian Presidency has set as its priorities the elimination of gender stereotypes in society, the participation of women in society and the strengthening of their role and status, and has carried on the process of monitoring the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. Within this process, a report was prepared and the girl-child indicators developed, and a report on women in political decision-making drafted. More: eu2008.si.
Female decision-makers from around European Union met on 2 June 2008 at Brussels for the launch of a "Network of women in decision-making in politics and the economy". The group aims to promote women in decision-making positions in politics and the economy across EU. Its member from Slovenia is Sonja Lokar, the coordinator for the South East Europe Office, CEE Network for Gender Issues. The inaugural meeting of the Network was opened by Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla and by Zita Gurmai, Vice-Chairwoman of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. The Network aims to provide a platform at EU level for successful strategies to improve gender balance in decision-making positions. Concretely, it will allow for exchange of ideas, information and experience, mutual learning and sharing of good practice. By facilitating partnerships and synergies between existing networks at EU level, the group will provide a clear EU added value. The members' experience and reputation will also help give greater visibility to the issue of gender balance. The network will present its first results in 2009, highlighting examples of best practice and summarising the exchanges and debates between the members of the network. The group currently consists of 15 existing networks, such as professional organisations, and can be joined by additional European networks. It is one of the key actions foreseen in the Commission's current Roadmap for gender equality. (Source:Rapid)
"Wealth inequalities and severe poverty are matters of growing concern across the Union", says the European Parliament backing a first-reading compromise negotiated with the Council beforehand which designates 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The report drafted by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotouwas adopted with 635 votes in favour 29 against and 10 abstentions. In amending the priorities for the European Year, MEPs therefore want initiatives to focus on fighting child poverty and the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Special attention should also be paid to large families, single parents, families caring for a dependent person, and children in institutions. (Source: EP)
In October 2008, the WIDE Annual Conference entitled "Feminist Visions for a Just Europe" will take place in The Hague in the Netherlands. The conference will take place from either 9-11 or 23-25 October 2008. This year´s conference will be hosted by WO=MEN, the Dutch Gender Platform, and is expected to convene at least 200 delegates representing the unique triangle of women living and working in the "West, East and South". Its general aim is to examine Europe´s role (and responsibilities) in the world, viewed through the lens of women´s rights and gender justice. Each day of the conference is structured to meet concrete goals: Feminisms in Europe Today Reflections (day 1); Europe´s Role in the World through the Lens of Women´s Rights and Gender Justice - Challenges and Opportunities (day 2); Building a Feminist Future through a Just Europe - Strategies and Alliances (day 3). This year´s WIDE Annual Conference will specifically examine the following: impacts of EU policies on women in Europe, its neighbouring countries and the global South, focusing on: development policy (aid effectiveness, Financing for Development), trade, migration, peacekeeping, and responses to decent work policy and debate; changes related to the new EU treaty, including a discussion on lack of participation, democracy and citizen´s involvement in decision-making; debates about ongoing Eurocentrism and post-colonialism, with critical reflection on conditionalities, the neoliberal trade regime and asymmetrical development; ways to build new political spaces to reflect on alternative visions for Europe, including the role feminists want Europe to play in the world and how feminists are participating (and can participate); and networking and alliance-building opportunities for feminists/women´s groups with other social movements, development NGOs, trade unions and parliamentarians working for a just Europe. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
European Women’s Lobby releasedthe Resource Kit on Institutional Mechanisms for the Promotion of Equality between Women and Men. Institutional mechanisms for equality between women and men can be placed at all levels of government (national, regional, local) or within international institutions. Their role is to design, promote the implementation of, execute, monitor, evaluate, advocate and mobilise support for policies aiming at equality between women and men. The EWL Resource Kit presents information about existing public institutions dealing with equality between women and men at international, EU and national level. It aims at helping NGOs and other interested actors to evaluate and influence international and EU institutions as well as their national governments and enable them to strengthen weak or inefficient institutional mechanisms dealing with women’s rights and gender equality. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
The European Women's Lobby published its Annual Report for 2007. The EWL Annual Report contains articles on issues such as reconciliation of work and private life, the European Roadmap for equality between women and men, violence against women and trafficking, migration, etc. The Report is available in English and French on this webpage. (Source: Social Platform)
The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) was hosting the Final Conference of the project "Date Rape Cases among Young Women: Strategies for Support and Preventio", supported by the Daphne II Programme, European Commission. The conference was held on the 27 June 2008 in Nicosia, Cyprus. The main aim of the project was to measure the prevalence and incidence of date rape among female students in tertiary education in Cyprus, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta, and explore their attitudes, dating experiences and level of awareness. The project also aims to make policy recommendations for the prevention of date rape and support to victims of sexual violence. The project is implemented in partnership with the Coalition for Gender Equality in Latvia (Latvia), the Institute of Equality (Greece), the University of Malta (Malta), and the Women’s Issues Information Centre (Lithuania). The aim of the final conference is the exchange of best practices for the support and prevention of date rape and sexual violence in Europe and will involve the participation of NGO representatives, policy makers from a local and an EU level, public authorities, as well as experts in the field of gender and violence against women. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
The Violence against Women 365 International Poster Exhibition took place at the ARTOS Cultural and Research Foundation, Nikosia, Cyprus. The exhibition is a non-profit, public awareness and educational tool on violence against women. It is based in Ireland and tours to various countries upon the request of the organisations which wish to host the exhibition in their own country. The idea for the exhibition began in early 2001 by Colm Dempsey, a member of An Garda Siochana (Irish Police) with the aim of including 365 posters. Today, this number has by far exceeded the original idea with the exhibition including posters by individuals, agencies and organisations from 58 countries around the world in each continent. Among the posters published on the project's website there is also a poster "What is the matter, girl?" from the Slovenian nationwide campaign against violence against women in 2002. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
The 7th European Meeting of People Experiencing Poverty took place on 16 – 17 May 2008 at Brussels, organized by Slovenian Presidency together with the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN), with the support of the European Commission and the Belgian Ministry of Pensions and Social Integration. The meeting was an opportunity for people with experience of poverty to present their views and establish a dialogue with European and national policy- and decision-makers. This year’s meeting, entitled "Four Pillars in the Fight against Poverty", focused on four topics: social services, services of general interest, housing and minimum income, which constitute four important fields in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. It was attended by over 100 delegates with experience of poverty from the EU Member States and approximately the same number of representatives of national governments, the European Commission, European non-governmental organisations and social partners. (Source: MDDSZ)
The conference on the human rights of persons with disabilities, organised under the Slovenia EU Council Presidency by the Slovenian Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs in cooperation with the European Commission, took place on 22 - 23 May 2008 at Kranjska Gora. The core theme of the conference was the political implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, focused on the progress made by European policy in its implementation. The Convention entered into force on 3 May 2008. By 30 March 2007, it had been signed by 127 countries and ratified by 25. Slovenia was the third European Union Member State to ratify it. (Source: MDDSZ)
The European Commission released preliminary "Social Situation Report 2007 – Social cohesion through equal opportunities". The Social Situation Report is the Commission's main tool for monitoring developments in the social field across the EU Member States. The annual report aims to inform the public debate on social policy by providing key data and in depth analyses. The SSR provides some key indicators (also gender specific) covering all social policy areas and analyses some specific issues in more detail: income inequalities, poverty risk before and after social transfers and in general, regional unemployment imbalances, long-term unemployment. The report includes also data on political participation of men and women and on income gender gap. (Source: PEK)
The European Commission released a »Quarterly EU Labour Market Review – Spring 2008«. The analysis shows a still solid overall performance in the EU labour market, although the pace of improvement appears to be slowing. By the fourth quarter of 2007, total employment had increased by 1.5% from a year earlier to reach 224.5 million, while unemployment had dropped to 6.7% by the first quarter of 2008 (men 6.2%, women 7.4%). The sustained employment growth was notably the result of strong performances by Germany (which reached the EU's employment rate target of 70% in the last quarter of 2007), Poland (now approaching the employment rate of Italy) and Spain. With the exception of Hungary and Lithuania, all Member States experienced continuing employment growth; in particular, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia, where it exceeded a year-on-year 3%. As a result, the overall EU employment rate came close to 66%, by the fourth quarter of 2007, up one percentage point from a year earlier. The employment rate for men reached 72.7% (in Slovenia 72.8%), and that for women 58.7% (in Slovenia 62.3 %), reducing the gender gap to 14 percentage points (in Slovenia 10.5 percentage points). (Source: PEK)
On 21 May 2008 the European Parliament's Resolution on women and science (2007/2206(INI)) was adopted. The resolution states that the conventional approach to evaluating "excellence" and "performance" may not be gender neutral, but is restrictive and fails to take account of the resources available, such as funds, space, equipment and staff, and of the qualities essential in any researcher, such as the ability to organise and hold together a research team or to train young members of the team; it regrets that the breaks that women take in scientific careers for family reasons have a negative impact on their career opportunities, as most male colleagues do not take breaks and thus can achieve comparative positions at a younger age and gain an advantage in their further careers; etc. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
In its 2007 progress report on Turkey the European Parliament insists that the speed of reforms must pick up. In light of the drafting of a new constitution, the report stresses that it should "ensure gender equality, avoid the use of vague criteria such as general morality, refrain from perceiving women primarily as family or community members and reaffirm women's human rights as their individual rights." (Source: EP)
The European Parliament adopted a Report on progress made in equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the EU calling on the Commission to adhere to its commitment to propose a "comprehensive directive" to combat any discrimination in access to goods and services on grounds of sex, race, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. (Source: EP)
The European Parliament adopted by an overwhelming majority on 8 May 2008 its 2007 annual report on human rights in the world. Human rights abuses in many countries continue to give cause for concern. One positive development identified in the report is the UN's call for a moratorium on the death penalty. Women's rights is another key issue, which Parliament says should be raised in all EU human rights dialogues, with the aim of combating "discrimination and violence against women and girls, including, most prominently, gender-selected abortion, all forms of harmful traditional or customary practices, for example female genital mutilation and early or forced marriage". Among other subjects addressed are children's rights (including the special problem of children and armed conflict), torture, the protection of human rights defenders and the rights of minorities and the disabled.
The EWL board meeting took place on 24–25 May 2008 in Ljubljana. Among the items discussed were the EWL campaign on parity democracy 2008–2009, the Migration project, the Open Method of Coordination, and the ways the national co-ordinations and EWL members could be involved in these projects and issues. The Board also discussed EWL position paper on Women, Militarism and UN Resolution 1325, which should be adopted soon. (Source: EWL)
In the framework of Slovenian presidency of the European Union an international two-day Conference on »Intergenerational Solidarity for Cohesive and Sustainable Societies« was held from 28.4.-29.4.2008 at Brdo pri Kranju. The meeting was attended by the Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, Ms Marjeta Cotman, the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity of the Portuguese Republic, Pedro Manuel Dias de Jesus Marques, the Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, Viera Tomanová, and numerous national and foreign experts as well as representatives of key interest groups. (Source: MDDSZ)
An anti-discrimination bill against all forms of discrimination on the grounds laid out in Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty had been announced as part of the European Commission's work programme for 2008. However, the Commission has abandoned its plan to protect gays and lesbians against discrimination under pressure from Germany. In its interview on the subject, the Commission confirmed to the BBC Parliament channel what gay rights campaigners and many MEPs had feared would happen – the Commission would prefer to have a "horizontal" directive that covers all discrimination grounds, but some member states gave clear signals that they would not support such a directive. Therefore the directive will refer only to disability. For discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, age and religion, recommendations will be produced, rather than a directive. Germany and Czech Republic are opposed to the horizontal directive, while Sweden, Finland, Spain and the UK are strongly in favour. The European Parliament has seven times called for an anti-discrimination bill protecting Europeans against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, with its social affairs committee in April once again issuing such a call. A fortnight ago, the European Court of Justice ruled it illegal to discriminate against gays and lesbians in the realm of pension rights in countries where there exist civil partnerships for homosexuals. (Source: EUobserver)
The European Commission's report "Long-term Care in the European Union" was presented and discussed at a conference on intergenerational solidarity organised by the Slovenian EU Presidency on 28-29 April 2008. The report analyses the main challenges Member States face in the field of long-term care, their strategies for tackling them and presents possible solutions. The report states that traditionally long-term care needs have been met within the private sphere or the extended network of families and the maintenance obligations have been met by women. The expected increase in the demand for formal long-term care services can be explained by the following factors: the number of working age women able to provide family or informal care will decrease at a time when the number of elderly dependent persons is increasing; the increased labour market participation of women means less time at their disposal to dedicate to providing care as well as a change in their social care role; the changing family structures such as smaller families and the increase in the prevalence of single-parent families means that family members are further apart and with a lesser potential to care for the dependent family members in an informal, unsupported setting. (Source: http://www.predsedovanje.si/)
The Social Platform addressed a letter on further legal steps to protect all people from all forms of discrimination to the European Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament. In relation to gender equality the letter points out that the adopted directive on goods and services was a first step in addressing discrimination between women and men outside employment. However, further legal action is nedeed to ensure equal representation of women in decision-making, to protect women from all forms of violence including banning sexism in the media, to eliminate discrimination in all areas of life, such as tax and social benefits, health, pensions and education. Social Platform therefore calls the EU institutions "to make sure that the future social agenda to be adopted in June 2008 includes a clear recommendation to broaden the scope of anti-discrimination legislation".
New call for tenders in the framework of the programme Progress (Directorate general for Employment, Social Affairs & Equal Opportunities) was published: Study contract on non-legislative initiatives for companies in order to promote gender equality in the workplace. Deadline: 13 June 2008. (Source: Razpisi.info)
A Call for proposal, concerning action 1, measure 2.1 — Citizens' projects within the ‘Europe for Citizens’ Programme has been published. One of the priority themes is also women participation in political life. Deadline: 1 July 2008. (Source: Razpisi.info)
On 25 March 2008 the European Commission launched an eight-week public consultation on patient safety. Conclusions of this consultation will help develop Commission's proposal on general patient safety issues, planned for late 2008. Commission's proposal will address an important issue of patient safety throughout the EU, and it will include a detailed first pillar, addressing healthcare-associated infections (HCAI), on which separate public consultations have already been held.
On 19 March 2008, the European Commission began a public internet consultation on the future of the EU scheme "Food distribution to the Most Deprived Persons". Charitable bodies, government services and all interested NGOs, as well as the general public, are invited to share their opinion and contribute to a web-powered consultation until 14. May 2008. (Source: European Commission)
In the framework of the project "Advocate - voice of the child", Slovenian Ombudsman, Dr. Zdenka Čebašek - Travnik, hosted Erin Pizzey, founder of the world's first refuge for battered women. Sound recording of Erin Pizzey's lecture is available (in English) on the web-site of the Slovenian Human Rights Ombudsman.
The European Parliament's resolution of 10 April 2008on combating cancer in the enlarged European Union makes a specific reference to women by calling on the Commission and the EU member states "to promote information campaigns on cancer screening directed at the general public and all healthcare providers, as well as exchange of best practice on the use of preventive or early-detection measures, such as cost-effective integration of appropriate human papilloma virus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination to protect young women from cervical cancer…". (Source: European Parliament)
On 2 April 2008 the European Commission presented a renewed strategy for debating the future of Europe. In a communication entitled "Debate Europe – building on the experience of Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate", it put forward a set of future actions to foster a general and permanent debate on the future of the European Union among people from all walks of life, at both national and EU level. In addition to further developing the most successful initiatives undertaken under Plan D since 2005, the Commission will shortly publish a call for proposals for co-financing a number of civil society projects in 2008 and 2009. (Source: European Commission)
A group of youth from African, Caribbean, Pacific and the EU countries, meeting on the side of the 15th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union (ACP - EU), pointed out that "the international community's promise of sexual and reproductive health has not been fulfilled yet". At the youth convention, organised by the Working Group for Sexual and Reproductive Health, under the auspices of SLOGA - a platform for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, the need for boarder public information campaign about the importance of sexual and reproductive rights has also been stressed. More information available at: anja.mesic@sloga-platform.org.
Contribution of the European Women's Lobby to the measures relating to reconciliation of work, private and family life was prepared within the framework of the European Commission's consultation process. EWL supports further improvement of the existing European legislation and creation of new legal tools, which would better reconcile work and private life for women and men, as well as enhance men's participation in the private sphere. In addition, EWL calls for consistency and coherence among different pieces of legislation, legal and policy tools promoting equality between women and men. In is only with consistency that the Commission’s stated objective of tackling reconciliation through gender equality could be achieved. (Source: Social Platform)
The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) is coordinating a transnational project entitled "Date Rape Cases Among Young Women and the Development of Good Practices for Support and Prevention", funded by the European Commission, Daphne II Programme. Partners to the project are the University of Malta (Malta), the Institute for Equality (Greece), the Coalition for Gender Equality in Latvia (Latvia), and the Women’s Issues Information Center (Lithuania). The project aims to investigate the incidence of date rape among young women in tertiary education (18-24) in five European countries including Cyprus, Greece, Latvia, Malta and Lithuania, and to explore their attitudes, dating experiences and their level of awareness. The project is now in its second phase, in which five country reports have been finalized on the basis of comprehensive data, information and material acquired through quantitative and qualitative research carried out in each partner country. The research aimed at measuring the prevalence and incidence of date rape among female college students and assessing the attitudes, behaviours and level of awareness among beneficiaries and target groups. For more information contact: daphne@medinstgenderstudies.org. (Source: MIGS)
A call for proposal on "Strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations (including economic and social partners) active in the field of promoting women's rights and equality between women and men" in the Mediterranean Partner Countries has been published. Activities will focus on policy development, advocacy and monitoring. Three priorities have been defined for this Call: (i) coordinated action by civil society in the area of women's rights and equality between women and men;(ii) action of economic and social partners targeting the labour market and the work place; and (iii) integration of equality between women and men in the socio-economic development strategies. Deadline for submission of concept notes (in English and French) is 7 May 2008. (Source: EuroMed)
In celebration of the International Women's Day, FEMM committee on 6 March 2008 organised a conference on »The role of women in Intercultural Dialogue«, opened by Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament, and a seminar on »Gender mainstreaming in parliamentary work«, that focused on the role of parliaments in promoting gender equality through their activities. (Source: EP)
The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council chaired by Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs Marjeta Cotman was held at 29 February 2008 in Brussels. The EPSCO Council adopted several documents that was submit to the European Council as its contribution on the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, including the Joint Employment Report 2007/2008; it reached agreement on a joint approach to the employment guidelines, and political consent on the Joint Council Recommendations for 2008, adopted the Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, and took note of the Commission Report on equality between women and men for 2008 and progress in the preparations for the Tripartite Social Summit on 13 March 2008. A Resolution on the position of persons with disabilities in the EU was adopted on the initiative of the Slovenian Presidency. (Source: MDDSZ)
At their informal meeting (15 -16 February 2008, Torino), the Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs, within the framework of the concept of flexicurity, devoted special attention to the young and the elderly and to the challenges faced by women in the labour market. Flexible labour market arrangements have a considerable impact on disadvantaged groups, such as women, migrants, the young, older workers and especially persons with disabilities. It is therefore vital to ensure we have a "Europe of equal opportunities for all". It is further necessary to implement gender equality and combat discriminatory practices against disadvantaged groups. This should result from strengthening the fundamental rights of workers, stronger policies of social inclusion and effective strategies for active integration. The principle of equal treatment of women and men in all labour market segments and in labour legislation should be applied. Special attention should be paid to strengthening the commitment to eliminate the gender pay gap between women and men. Measures for the elimination of these gaps should be consolidated in the Lisbon Strategy. The Ministers emphasised that responsibility for the practical application of the common principles of flexicurity lies with the Member States. The exchange of good practices and reciprocal learning processes should also be facilitated. (Source: MDDSZ)
European Commission presented Annual Policy Strategy setting out its political priorities for 2009. Strategy outlines the Commission's policy objectives in five priority areas: growth and jobs, climate change and sustainable Europe, making a reality of the common immigration policy, putting the citizen first, and Europe as a world partner. The Commission will seek to gain approval for its legislative initiatives and also look forward by stimulating debate on the internal market, social agenda and budget reviews.
In the framework of Slovenian Presidency of the European union, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has organized workshop entitled “Family friendly scientific careers” (Brdo, 8 February 2008). Participants have formed directions which Ministers of member states will likely to adopt as recommendation on Competitiveness Council in May. (Source: MVZT)
At an informal meeting of EU ministers for gender equality (Brdo, 29 January – 2 February 2008), Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunity Vladimir Špidla announced the establishment of the “Mission for Flexicurity”«. The Mission which will be composed of 7 permanent members, will visit 4-5 Member States, and discuss in depth the state of play as regards the development and implementation of the national pathways based on the common Flexicurity principles, agreed at the European Council in December 2007. As part of a mutual learning perspective, these visits will also give the opportunity to other Member States as well as to other relevant participants to take part in the discussion. The final Mission Report will be presented in December 2008 to the Employment ministers. (Source: PEK)
The ECPR Standing Group on Gender and Politics calls for panel and paper proposals for the First European Conference on Politics and Gender (ECPG) (21-23 January 2009, Queen's University Belfast). The conference aims to bring together scholars engaged in cutting-edge research on a wide range of topics related to gender and politics. Scholars from member and non-member institutions of the ECPR are welcome to apply. Deadline: 1 June 2008. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
On March 12th 2008, the European Parliament adopted a “Resolution on the situation of the women in rural areas of the EU”. Among other things, resolution stressed out, that mainstreaming gender into the rural sector is a key strategy not only for the promotion of equality between women and men but also for economic growth and sustainable rural development. (Source: EP)
On March 13th 2008, the European Parliament adopted a “Resolution on Gender Equality and Women´s Empowerment in Development Cooperation”. Among other things, resolution deplores the fact that most DCI Country Strategy Papers refer to gender as a cross-cutting area, without indicating any specific gender-related targets or activities; and strongly calls for gender-specific targets and activities to be included in future strategies. (Source: EP)
On March 13th 2008, the European Parliament adopted a “Resolution on the particular situation of Women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life”. Among other things, resolution recommends that alternative penalties to imprisonment, such as community-based sentences, should be favoured to a greater extent, particularly for mothers, provided that the sentence imposed is short and the risk to public safety low, where their imprisonment could result in serious disruptions to family life, in particular if they are single parents or have young children, or are responsible for looking after dependent or incapacitated persons; underlines that the judicial authorities should take account of these factors, in particular the best interests of the accused parent's child, when deciding on the sentence; recommends, likewise, considering the possibility of adopting similar measures to those established for mothers for male prisoners with custody of children or who have other family responsibilities. (Source: EP)
The publication ”The life of women and men in Europe”, released by Eurostat on the occasion of the International Women's Day, includes data on life expectancy for women, women's age when they had their first child, employment and unemployment rates for women, proportion of female teachers, proportion of managers and members of national parliaments, etc. In 2005 in Slovenia women were aged on average 27.7 years when they had their first child, their employment rate in 2007 was 63.3%, the unemployment rate in January 2008 was 5.0%. (Source: CNVOS)
On February 21th 2008, the European Parliament adopted a “Resolution on demographic future of Europe”. Among other things, resolution recalls the discrimination suffered by women regarding working conditions and employers' distrust regarding their desire for motherhood; calls on the Member States to consider measures to offer specific protection and support to women after the birth of a child, in particular to young single mothers; stresses that family patterns are changing; therefore asks the Commission and the Member States to give serious consideration to this reality when developing and implementing policies; calls upon the Commission to take into consideration the sensitive issue of infertility, which affects both married and unmarried women and couples; encourages the Member States to implement proactive measures in support of parents, such as additional retirement pension entitlements and tax breaks for company crèches, and to exchange best practices in this area. (Source: EP)
The report “Gender mainstreaming of employment policies” was prepared by the European Commission's Group of experts on Gender, Social Inclusion and Employment. It includes a comparative review of situation and measures in 27 member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
The report on women in political decision-making was prepared by the Milica Antić Gaber, Sara Rožman in Maja Šepetavc for the governmental Office for Equal Opportunities. It includes data from 1999 to 2007 following nine indicators (eight qualitative and one quantitative) in relation to the position of women in political decision-making at local, regional and national levels in all 27 EU member states. The report states slight, but constant improvement in the participation of women in the decision-making bodies. It also indicates that state institutions in some countries don't make any noticable efforts to improve the situation. The report was presented in January at the meeting of the High-Level group for Gender Mainstreaming in the framework of the Slovenian Presidency. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
Report “Women and men in decision - making 2007 – analysis of the situation and trends”, published by the European Commission, says that despite recent progress, women in Europe are still shut out of top posts in both politics and business. Across the EU, 24% of parliamentarians are women – up from 16% a decade ago – with a similar proportion holding ministerial office. In the private sector, men still represent 9 out of 10 board members in top companies and two-thirds of company bosses.
On February 25th 2008, the European Commission announced “Joint Report on Social Protection and Inclusion”, which focuses on priorities and progress made in the areas of child poverty, working longer, private pension provision, health inequalities and long-term care.
The European Commission prepared “Study on poverty and social exclusion among lone-parent household”. The study is analysing the reasons why they experience higher poverty risks and the barriers they have to face in order to access employment and other means of social inclusion. (Source: NEWW)
ILGA-Europe in partnership with Legebitra has organized a conference on the topic of LGBT families in Europe (4-6 March 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenia). This conference was a contribution to the EU Presidency currently held by Slovenia. The aim of the conference was to start and contribute to a dialogue between institutions and civil society on the topic of recognition and inclusion of LGBT families. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
On the 7th March 2008 international conference “Violence against Women in relation to Development Awareness” was held in Ljubljana. The conference was organized by Association SOS Help Line and Commission for Petitions, Human Rights and Equal Opportunities of the National Assembly. Topics: domestic violence, violence against women in connection with migration and trafficking with women, and the position of victims on the labour market. (Source:CNVOS)
At the conference “Elimination of Gender Stereotypes: Mission (Im)Possible?” (29-30 January 2008, Brdo) the European Women’s Lobby has presented a paper on combating gender stereotypes: the need to start at the earliest stage. Among other things the paper stress out that integration of a gender perspective is necessary in all European and national policies related to children, including in relation to measures and activities undertaken in relation to the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child. The conference was held in the framework of Slovenian Presidency of the European Union. (Source: Vita Activa)
Social Platform's has addressed an open letter to the EU Heads for the Spring Summit 2008. The open letter among other things calls upon the European Council to make a firm commitment that an ambitious Social Agenda will be adopted in 2008; to ensure that the horizontal social clauses of the Lisbon Treaty are promptly applied by renaming the Lisbon strategy “growth, jobs and inclusion”; to adopt swiftly legislation to improve workers’ protection, enhance protection against discrimination and promote the reconciliation between professional, private and family life; and to promote participatory forms of democracy. (Source: CNVOS)
European Women's Lobby addressed a letter to the Board of Administration of the Gender Equality Institute. The vacancy for the post of director of the Institute was published in spring 2007 and EWL now enquires what is the state of the selection procedure. EWL also states that the Board of Administration has been nominated in June 2007 and has met several times since then; it call the attention of the Board to the good example of the European Fundamental Rights Agency where NGO's have been informally and formally consulted on several occasions. EWL would also welcome more information about the intentions of the Gender Institute Board of Administration in relation to civil dialogue and participation of NGOs in this regard. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs presented the main priorities of Slovenian presidency in the area of gender equality to the Committee on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities of the European Parliament. Slovenian presidency will follow the objectives and priority tasks of the European Pact for Gender Equality, the Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men (2006 - 2010), and the Lisbon Strategy. It will continue with the implementation of commitments made in the Trio Presidency Declaration - "Towards Gender Equality in the European Union", and it will monitor the implementation process of the Beijing Platform for Action. Slovenian presidency will lay special emphasis on eliminating gender stereotypes, encouraging women’s participation and fostering their empowerment in society. (Source: MDDSZ)
Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs presented priority assignments of the Slovenian presidency in the area of employment and social affairs to the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament. Slovenian presidency has set to focus on four objectives: the Lisbon Strategy; continuation of the European discussion on demographic challenges; fight against poverty and social exclusion; as well as provision of equal opportunities and prevention of discrimination against disabled persons. (Source: MDDSZ)
At an informal meeting of the EU ministers for gender equality (Brdo, 29.1.-2.2.2008), which was preceded by an international conference focusing on the eradication of gender stereotypes, various strategies for eliminating traditional gender roles and stereotypes prevalent in areas such as education, training, labour market, culture and media were discussed. Ministers also spoke about women's participation and empowerment in society, which set the framework for addressing the issue of equal participation in political decision-making, status of girls, and gender equality policies, particularly in the field of development cooperation. (Source: Predsedovanje.si/)
A proposal for creating a set of indicators determining the status of girl children in society was presented at the High Level Group meeting of the EU member states and the European Commission, held in Brdo on January 11th 2008. Selected indicators related to health, education, cultural habits and practices were thus presented and discussed. The study, titled "Review of the implementation by the Member States and the EU institutions of the Beijing Platform for Action THE GIRL CHILD - Report by the Slovenian Presidency", was authored by Dr Renata Šribar and conducted by Dr Mirjana Ule from the Centre for Social Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. (Source: Predsedovanje.si)
Members of the European Commission began consultations with Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia, and other members of the Slovenian government, on the main priorities of Slovenia's presidency of the EU. Separate meetings took place between resort ministers and the EU commissioners, with Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, Marjeta Cotman, meeting the EU commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla. Although the main topic of their discussion was the presidency programme in the area of social affairs, they also discussed the directives on working hours, temporary workers and the so-called pension directive. (Source: EP)
On January 23rd 2008, the European Commission adopted the “2008 Report on equality between women and men”, which emphasizes women's disadvantaged position on contemporary labour market. Although today women represent 59% of university graduates, and generally have better educational achievements than men, their employment rate remains lower than men's by 14.4%, and they continue to earn, on average, 15% less than men per every hour worked. (Source: EP)
On January 16th 2008, the European Parliament adopted a resolution titled “Towards an EU strategy on the rights of the child”. Among other things, this resolution stipulates that the EU strategy on the rights of the child should include measures for combating gender based violence. (Source: EP)
On January 17th 2008, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the role of women in industry, which encourages action to promote women’s position in relation to wage equality, working conditions, career opportunities, vocational training, with maternity and paternity being borne in mind as fundamental social values. (Source: EP)
In December 2007, Eurostat published a new report on employment of women in the EU, for the year 2006. Results show that 10% of women aged 15-54 are not involved in an employment relationship due to their household obligations. Instead, they dedicate their time to the running of households and childrearing. (Source: PEK)
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (EUROFOUND) has released a report titled “Gender and working conditions in the European Union”. The report explores gender in the context of occupational segregation, working conditions, working time and subjective well-being. It includes an analysis of job satisfaction, work-life balance and health outcomes and looks at possible policy orientations. (Source: EUROFUND)
On January 17th 2008, the Women's Lobby Slovenia (WLS)held its general assembly in Ljubljana. Representatives of member organisations discussed the WLS report 2007 and the programme of activities for 2008, focusing on the shadow report of NGOs on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), activities linked to Slovenian Presidency of the EU, and statutory questions. Although the quorum for adopting decisions was reached, elections of the new president of the WLS Council were not carried out. The next meeting of the EWL Board of Administration will be held in Ljubljana, in May 2008, as it is customary for such meetings to take place in the state holding the presidency of the European Union.
At a conference “The European Parliament and NGOs - strengthening of dialogue”, organised by the Centre for information service, co-operation and development of NGOs (CNVOS) in December 2007, the working group on the rights of women and gender equality prepared a set of recommendations for the European Parliament and other institutions, focusing on the improvement of information services in the area of gender equality. According to the working group, better use should be made of the technological potentials available (i.e. Internet), particularly for providing relevant and timely information about the various EP documents.
Issued by: Association for Promotion of Equality and Plurality Vita Activa Editor in chief: Mojca Dobnikar Editors: Ieva Lauraityte, Irena Levičar, Tina Mithans, Tiva Vlaj Translation: Živa Kokolj Supported by: Government of the Republic of Slovenia - Office for Equal Opportunities
