Brussels, 21/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - For the very first time, member states are taking a stance in favour of the gender dimension being taken into account in policies for combating climate change. The EU27 adopted conclusions on the matter during their meeting of the European Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) held on Thursday 21 June, under the chairmanship of the Danish minister for gender equality and ecclesiastical affairs, Manu Sareen.
EPSCO conclusions promote gender equality in decision-making and training relating to the environment. They are based on a report by the European Institute for Gender Equality (see EUROPE 10637), which introduces indicators for better analysis of the extent to which women are represented in the sectors concerned. These indicators aim to determine the proportion of women in decision-making bodies on climate change in member states, at EU and international level, as well as the proportion of women who have higher education diplomas in natural sciences and technology in Europe.
Above all, however, the Council invites the Commission and member states to make a greater effort to involve women in combating climate change, with a view to a more balanced representation of women and men in relevant decision-making, but also to ensure and encourage access by women to technological and scientific sectors. To this end, it is necessary to put an end to the segregation that currently exists on the employment market and in industry, and eliminate obstacles encountered by women in academic circles in the fields of mathematics, research and engineering. The Commission is expected to draw up annual reports examining these aims, the Council states. The Danish Presidency has chosen to develop conclusions from the Beijing action programme, established by the United States and aimed at promoting the emancipation of women. Each rotating presidency of the EU Council is to cover one of the 12 areas highlighted in the action programme, but this is the first time that the environment has been considered in this context. (MD/transl.jl)