Brussels, 19/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Council is recommending that the EU member states do not lose sight of gender equality in the context of financial independence. Its recommendations are contained in the conclusions adopted on Thursday 19 June 2014, during the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO). The document points out that the road to achieving this end is still long, with women's' wages 16% below those of men and women making up the majority of part-time workers throughout Europe. The Council also recognises that the recession has affected men and women differently in member states. The Council is recommending that member states and the Commission promote work-life balance and sharing the burden of responsibilities. It also seeks to reduce gender segregation in education and the world of work and eradicate gender stereotypes (through awareness-raising campaigns). The Council based its conclusions on the report by the European Institute for Gender Equality, which drew up indicators for evaluating experience in the labour market (employment rates in terms of full, part-time and self-employed work). (MD)