Brussels, 10/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution adopted on Tuesday 9 June during a plenary session, the European Parliament voted in favour of the new post-2015 EU strategy on gender equality by 341 votes in favour, 281 against, with 81 abstentions. They said that the strategy should be based on clear targets, concrete action and more efficient follow-up.
The EP said that it was essential to make real progress in the fight against discrimination on the jobs market, education and access to decision-making posts because inequality between men and women remained very widespread in the member states. Parliament also believes that specific action should be taken to support women with disabilities, migrants and those belonging to an ethnic minority, as well as older women, single mothers and LGBTI persons. The rapporteur, Maria Noichl (S&D, Germany), said: “Despite our differences, MEPs focused on our key aim: to finally achieve real gender equality in Europe. The resolution will serve as a good, balanced and forward-looking basis for a new women's rights and gender equality strategy for all women and men in the EU”.
MEPs call on the Commission to propose new laws containing more binding measures to protect women from violence and want all member states to ratify the Istanbul Convention on the prevention of and fight against violence against women and domestic violence. They say special attention must be paid to new forms of violence such as cyber-harassment and intimidation on the Internet.
MEPs also say that the feminisation of poverty could lead to an increase in female trafficking and are therefore calling on member states to find ways to discourage demand for prostitution and establish programmes to exit from it.
MEPs want more of a balance between family and professional life through the introduction of better childcare facilities, more flexible working hours and arrangements, as well as measures that would have a positive impact on employment rates for women. In this connection the Commission and the member states should take appropriate measures to reduce the gender pay and pension gap.
MEPs are calling on the Council to develop a common position as soon as possible on the directive promoting a balanced gender representation on non-executive Board of Directors.
Parliament calls for high-quality and readily accessible services in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights for women.
MEPs are in favour of programmes promoting awareness about stereotypes and sexism and tackling discrimination against LGBTI persons.
During the publication of the Commission's annual report on gender equality on 5 March, Commissioner Vera Jourova, in charge of gender equality, indicated that her services were currently working on a new gender equality strategy. The previous one had been introduced for the 2010-2015 period. This new strategy is expected to be put forward at the end of the year. (Isabelle Lamberty)