Brussels, 13/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 10 February, those taking part in the Chambers Against Stereotypes in Employment (CH.A.S.E.), launched in January 2005 by the EUROCHAMBRES Women Network (EWN-see EUROPE 8895), welcomed the success of the initiative to counter gender stereotyping. The closing conference of this project was held at the headquarters of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
Through this project, EWN sought to draw attention to three key moments in a woman's career: her choice of studies, her entry into the world of work and her decision to become an entrepreneur or not. The project tried to detect gender stereotypes that prevent women from becoming entrepreneurs or having a career in male-dominated sectors. Launched as part of the Commission programme for gender equality, the project concentrated, firstly, the behaviour of women who have become successful entrepreneurs, secondly, the creation of online tools to raise girls' interest in professions still seen as being for boys and, thirdly, setting up a mentoring system.
The President of EUROCHAMBRES Pierre Simon, said it was “amazing to see how deep the chasm still is between men and women in business”, while Europe is on course to achieve the Lisbon target set for female employment (60% by 2010). He concluded, “Driving forward the female business agenda is a must if Europe wants to achieve its targets of sustainable economic growth and more and better jobs (…). In this perspective, Chambers welcome the creation of the European Gender Institute”.