Brussels, 15/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved a communication on "implementing the integration of the gender dimension in the planning documents of the Structural Funds 2000-2006". For the most part, this communication draws up an inventory of progress made n this area and covers all four funds (ESF, Erdf, Eaggf, Fifg) as well the objective 1,2 and 3 programmes. Its goal is to provide a contribution to the mid-term review of the Structural Funds.
Regarding the future of the promotion of gender equality in the Union, the Commission considers that first the following issues need examining: 1) equal opportunities between men and women must remain a priority and the dual approach - integration of the man-woman dimension and specific actions - must continue. 2) Future investments have to be concentrated on: training for women and measures for guaranteeing jobs of quality in the information technology and knowledge sector, as well as research and development, in order to prevent them being excluded from the knowledge society; creation of companies by women; life-long training; training competencies and qualifications for women in non-traditional areas; 3) Structural Funds should play an important role in EU enlargement and combating risks confronting women, particularly those exposed to the negative effects of economic and social restructuring.
In order to ensure a successful implementation of sexual equality, the Commission has called on Member States to: 1) set up incentives to increase the perception and level of women in all Structural Fund programmes; 2) clearly identify the funding allocated for specific actions for sexual equality and projects and programmes that contribute to this equality. Member States will have to take into account these figures with the assistance of clear indicators in the framework of mid-term reviews of the Structural Funds as from 2003; 3) encourage expertise in sexual equality and foresee awareness and training measures in this area.