Brussels, 17/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The report by Liliana Rodrigues (S & D, Portugal) was adopted by the EP's Women's and Gender Equality Committee on Tuesday 16 June by 21 votes in favour, and 9 against. The report highlights the progress made in terms of equal access to education but also points out the disparities that still exist between boys and girls.
The thrust of the report emphasises that education must be a tool that helps change mindsets and provide the opportunity for girls and women to take their destiny in their hands by making choices based on their own wishes.
MEPs on the EP committee are calling on the European Commission to put measures in place to ensure gender equality at all levels of the education system, as well as monitor equality in education. Rodrigues explained: “Progress has been made, but women continue to be a prime target for discrimination and violence. I believe that school plays a fundamental role in changing the state of affairs …” The MEP added that they needed to create “a school culture of gender equality” and improve the percentage of women in senior posts, as well as promote equality in terms of economic independence. According to the MEP, more women have to be able to access science, technology and mathematics and particular attention should focus on the situation of women in disadvantaged and migrant groups, who are faced with even greater discrimination. (Isabelle Lamberty)