Brussels, 17/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 March in Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted by 604 votes to 18 and 43 abstentions, the own-initiative report presented by Claire Gibault (ALDE, France) on equal treatment and access for both men and women in the performing arts. In order to combat gender inequality in the sector, the Parliament recommends that there should be at least one third women in the sector. It advocates keeping candidatures anonymous and improving access by women to senior positions.
In particular, MEPs invite actors in the cultural sphere to step up the presence of works created by women and women producers in programmes, collections, editions and consultation. They stress the importance of ensuring that candidatures remain anonymous “whenever possible, which is for example the case when musicians are recruited behind screens”. Finally, MEPs call on member states to improve the social situation in the arts and culture sector by taking into account various categories of employment and ensuring better social protection. (G.B./transl.jl)