Brussels, 12/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is to hold a conference on “Equality between women and men in a time of change” in Brussels on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 June. The conference will discuss the current situation and future challenges in gender equality with stakeholders. Against a background of growing unemployment, the debate will focus on the effect of the economic crisis on equality between the sexes. The conference will also provide the opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved thanks to the Commission's 2006-2010 roadmap for gender equality and to discuss future priorities.
The conference, to be chaired by Belinda Pyke (Director, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, European Commission) will discuss the risks and opportunities for equal economic independence for women and men in a time of change, addressing issues such as persistent gender gaps and barriers to women's employment. It will also consider new challenges resulting from the economic crisis and its repercussions on the labour market and the European social model. It will also examine future policy trends and how to engage all stakeholders in renewing commitment to gender equality.
Among those taking part in the conference are Michael Kocab, Czech Minister for Human Rights and Minorities, Vladimlir Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Margot Wallström, European Commission Vice-President with responsibility for Institutional Relations and Communication Strategy, Harriet Harman, UK Minister for Women and Equality, Bibiana Aido, Spanish Minister for Equality, Gabriele Heinisch-Hosek, Austrian Federal Minister for Women and Public Administration. Catherine Day, Secretary General of the European Commission, will deliver a speech at dinner on Monday at the Concert Noble. Robert Verrue, Director General, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, European Commission, will deliver the closing speech. (G.B./transl.rt)