march . april 1995 • no 51 bruxelles X • published cl'l'l)' 11/0ilth

• • • • • • • Editorial • 9 May, Europe D' may • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• May is Europe Day. : Europe's Contribution to Women: proportion of women thereby reaching 25.7% On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, the • the Long Road to a Democracy of The Samer Commission, the term of which will lead 9 then French Foreign Minister, and his per­ • Equality well into the year 2000, includes 5 women Commission­ sonal adviser Jean Monnet addressed the press • ers and is therefore on a par with the European Parlia­ gathered in the "Salon de I'Horloge" in the Quai • ment in terms of the representation of women . 8 March ?f this year, the President of the Euro- President Santer also created an "open" discussion d'Orsay, and proposed the joining of French and •o n • pean Commission, Jacques Santer, spoke at a group dealing with equal opportunities, made up of sev­ German coal and steel production, as well as • conference organized by DG IX's Equal Oppor­ eral Commissioners and over which he presides. The the creation of a European federation which • tunities Unit on the occasion of International Women's group proposes to integrate an equal opportunities di­ would unite the peoples of Europe. • Day. mension in all policies adopted by the Commission. This declaration was the beginning of the • He declared notably that "Europe has done a great European Union. e deal for women. We like to remind everyone of the es- Meanwhile the arrival of Austria, Finland and Sweden The European Council of Milan in 1985 want­ • sencial role as a driving force that the Commission has in January 1995 increased the percentage of women Eu­ ed to make 9 May a day of shared commemora­ • played with regard to equality, and the considerable leg- ropean parliamentarians to 27%, since 26 of the 59 new tion for all citizens of the European Union, to • islative work which has laid the legal groundwork for im- members, i.e. 44%, are women. be celebrated every year in the same spirit that • portant changes in attitudes, in the practices on the prevailed in that declaration: peace in Europe, • labour market and in the development of women's indi- The conjunction of these events has revitalized the dy­ namics of a reasserted presence of women on the politi­ social progress, economic development and sol­ : :~~~ ~~~h:~!~~ \~ i~ac:nal~: s~ds~~l\~:trc:~;;;: ~::~ cal, economic and social scenes. It has also consolidated idarity. : done much for Europe." the shift over the last 20 years from demands for equal pay, social protection and "opportunities" towards par­ We have devoted this special 9 May Celebra­ •e Indeed, since irs creation the Commission has played ticipation in equal decision-making. tion edition of the "Women of Europe • a prime role as regards women's rights. It has done so by Newsletter" to the ties uniting the women of • utilizing the powers attributed to it by the Treaties, es- Upon its creation in 1957, the Treaty of Rome, the European Union, and especially to their mu­ • sentially those relating to the labour market and to its so- through Article 119, established the principle of equal tual contributions. • cia! context. The principle of equality means nothing in­ pay for men and women for equal work: "Equal pay European construction has not left women by • deed if it is not applied and followed through. without discrimination based on sex". It is the only legal the wayside: it has considerably improved their • foundation written in a Community Treaty, one which rights to the extent of the authority invested in • Some may have had the impression lately that women has become all too restrictive, and which should be • were "sulky" towards Europe. Indeed, during the Maas- changed upon the treaty's revision in 1996 to include the it by the Treaties. • rricht Treaty's ratification: the consultation of citizens in recognition of the fundamental political, economic, so­ Under the title "Europe's Contribution to e certain Member States, the referenda on the adherence of cial and cultural rights of women. Women: the Long Road to a Democracy of • Austria, Finland and Sweden; as well as the opinion polls Equality", we have recounted for you 45 years • conducted by various institutes, all brought to light a In the seventies, the European Court of Justice gave of the history of the conquest of these rights by • kind of mistrust, even a rejection of Europe among the article the social impact that it has today through sev­ men and women for women - step by step. • women. eral rulings favourable to equal pay. We have also gathered testimonies from women who experience Europe from within the : pe;~~~~e~~~~~::l~~t r;~e:7:d ~oTe~{:s~o~ma~:g b~~:dee~ Since then six directives, four recommendations and Commission and in their own countries, and • char there was a lack of information about Europe, as three action programmes for equal opportunities have who confirm the immense contribution made by • well as a disinterest in European affairs and confirmed this tendency. women in the construction of Europe, as re­ • a kind of reservation vis a vis the construe- • tion of Europe. This, even if the polls claim The 6 directives adopted consolidate lated by the President of the Commission, • that account must be taken of the little in- and develop not only the principle of equal Jacques Santer. • terest women have in "politics" in general, pay, but also the consequences of this right In view of this "9 May Celebration" European • or at least in the way they are run. as regards access to employment, to voca­ Commissioner Mrs. Anita Gradin - one of the • tional training and to professional promo­ first women in Europe to have held a ministerial • Nevertheless, two elements defied this tions, to social security and to protection office relative to equal opportunities, and the • tendency during the European electoral for pregnant women. first woman Foreign Trade Minister of Sweden - : campaigns. accepted to answer our questions. • First, political parties from the different Two important draft directives how­ She tells of her vision of a Europe of peace • Member States added a number of women ever, in abeyance for several years now, are and security. • to their lists - sometimes in high-ranking still being discussed. These involve Let's all take it upon us to join in this spirit of • positions and even at the very top - either parental leave and the reversal of the bur­ • because they were obliged to do so (the case den of proof which, with regard to equal celebration. • • in Belgium and Italy) or for various other pay and treatment, would be the responsi­ • reasons, whether democratic or electoral. bility of the defendant rather than the • Secondly, an awareness campaign focusing plaintiff. In other words, it would be up to • on the need for a balance between male and the employer to prove that he has not vio­ : female European MPs based on the concept lated the principle of equality, and not up • "Vote for balance between men and women to the woman to show that she has been a • in the European Parliament", was launched victim of discrimination. • by the Network Women in the Decision­ The European Commission has recently Veronique Houdart-Biazy • Making Process (DG V- Social Policy). laid these two draft directives before the Head of Section, Information for Women • labour marker partners who are examining • The combination of these factors had them in the context of social dialogue. • largely positive results: on 19 July 1994 the • European Parliament gained 146 women The Maastricht Treaty, in its Social • members as opposed to 100 in 1989, the Charter signed by the Member States (with • • • • Uornen oj l urofe newsletter the exception of the United Kingdom), specifically of­ fered the labour market partners the possi bility to take part in negotiations wi th the Parliament, allowing the re­ inforcement of actions taken to promote equality. In ad­ dition, the agreement lists other measures favourable to women: the adoption of directives concerning equal op­ portunities in the workplace by qualified majority , the Until recently, some may have thought that European possibility for Member States to practise "positive dis­ "On the Equality of construction was a man's job. This, judging by the poor crimination" and the European Parliament's confirma­ representation of women in decision-making roles at the tion of the appointment of Commissioners. the Two Sexes" political and administrative level and in both a national and European framework. Three action programmes for Equal Opportunities for ••••••••••••••••••• men and women have been set up by DG V (Social Af­ Fran~oise Mulfinger • European Commission The awakening of civil society, the emergence of fairs). women in positions of power, the breaking up of the he demand for equality of the sexes was already one labour market, the increasing role of women in the me­ The objectives of the first of these (8 2-85) was to con­ Tof the major options of the Age of Enlightenment in dia - all of these will contribute to the remodelling of solidate the rights already acquired for women as regards Europe. European society. employment, to complement equal treatment by enforc­ "The forces would be equal if education was also ing individual rights and to carry out equal opportunity equal" asserted Montesquieu loudly and clearly. In From New York to Beijing and from Stockholm to measures namely through positive action. The second 1673, the author of the treatise "On the Equality of the Dakar, women are producing, creating, managing and programme (86-90) targeted education, equal opportuni­ Two Sexes", Poullain de Ia Barre considered the inequali­ governing differently. ties for employment and training, new technology and ty of the sexes to be an eminently cultural phenomenon. the sharing of family and work-related responsibilities. He denounced the general acceptance of prejudice as re­ Two tasks remain to be achieved by women: Networks are being created alongside these programmes gards the so-called inferiority of women and of their nec­ for the promotion of actions already taken relating to essary dependency, and illustrated how law - both writ­ • complete the equality process - from the application equality and the partners in social dialogue in identified ten and unwritten - is methodically appropriated by men of legislation to the changing of mentalities; sectors ("Expert Network on the Application of Equality in one area after the other. The author does justice to • allow men to accept society's challenge as a qualita­ Directives", the Network "Position of Women on the the position of women, reasserting the importance of tive endowment. Labour Market", "Local Employment Initiatives", IRIS­ their place in society. The European Network on Women's T raining and the Such issues sound oddly modern since, despite some If that is so, then it would be safe to bet that the twen­ Network "Women in the Decision-Making Process") . progress, prejudice remains three centuries after the trea­ ty-first century will no longer be, as Elisabeth Badinter tise on the equality of the two sexes was first written. put it, "the privileged era of one sex or the other, but Finally the third programme (91-95), still under eval­ Liberal ideology is not always liberated thinking. A dual rather humanity's long-awaited moment of reconcilia­ uation, focuses on the integration of women into the approach to dependency has reemerged in our behaviour: tion". working environment and on the improvement of their "Good" dependency is when women stay at home, situation in society, namely through a change in the im­ namely in times of economic crisis, and "bad" depend­ Will the women of the European Union make the age of women reflected in the media and to a greater par­ ency is when impoverished women are the first victims of date with history? • ticipation of women in decision-making. social exclusion.

At the same time, the NOW (New Opportunities for Despite the obstacles in mentalities and the possible Women) programme was launched. It fits into the deviation, we should not be fooled. The end of this cen­ framework of both the third programme and the struc­ tury is a turning point in the history of mankind, where "The Path tural Funds set up by the European Community. It aims borders become blurry, and international interdependen­ at promoting equal opportunities in favour of women cies are asserted. It is also a revolutionary period like no with regard to employment and professional life. other for the position of women. ofthe Future" • •••••••••••••••••• The fourth programme, currently being developed, - In the European Union, women's scepticism to­ Irene Nicolopoulou will be characterized by a shift from the notion of equal wards the meaning in European construction, expressed President of the European Network of Women Greek opportunities in the strict sense of the word, toward the through the referenda on the Maastricht Treaty's ratifica­ Journalists active and responsible citizenship of women in the eco­ tion and through the adherence of four new States, called nomic, political, social and cultural spheres. This shift is out to both public opinion and the highest-ranking esterday, while reading the Greek Sunday paper "To the materialization of the demand for the complete fulfil­ politicians. Policy based on "transparency" was adopted YVirna", a photograph and its caption particularly ment of the principle of equal rights for men and women and active preparation of the Intergovernmental Confer­ struck me: it was a photo of Mrs. Margot Wallsrrom, - an indispensable condition for democracy. ence in 1996 is foreseen. European construction will Swedish Minister of Culture. also be the patient and complex undertaking of the pro­ The Minister handles all the cultural affairs of the The role played by the European Parliament's Com­ tagonists of all actors of civil society. Member State of the European Union from her own mittee on Women's Rights should also be reiterated. It home, thanks to the most sophisticated of technologies. was created in 1984 following a decision to transform the - The failure of anti-u.nemployment policy in most investigative committee responsible for reporting on the Member States has produced some novel prospects for It was a delightful surprise to see the 40-year old Min­ position of women in the Community, into a permanent new sources of employment, "local services", the devel­ ister seated on a sofa in her living-room, participating in body. opment of undefined sectors and the specificity of enter­ a meeting with her collaborators 300 kilometres away, prises launched by women. The ways of the employ­ thanks to a small screen placed in front of her. At its latest meeting, the Committee on Women's ment world are called upon to redefine themselves to in­ Rights unanimously adopted the opinions of deputies clude women. I asked myself: "how could Greek women dream of a Marlene Lenz and Christine Crawley concerning prepa­ common future with their Swedish counterparrs?" How rations for the Intergovernmental Conference in 1996. - The attempt at harmonizing professional and family could the women of my country communicate and agree The Committee considers, among other things, that lifestyles, through the evolution itself of the concepts of with women of a Member State, whose vocational train­ the preamble of the future Treaty should incorporate a family and of "chosen" time, will lead to the transforma­ ing is far more advanced and where the mentality among specific engagement regarding the fundamental right of tion of traditional masculine and feminine roles and to a the male and female population has already allowed for equality. • new awareness of the negative effects of unchosen inac­ their participation in decision-making in that country? tivity on all individuals and on society. - The emergence of an information society will alter In my country there is one figure of which Greek the rapport between the individual and knowledge, will women are not at all proud. 4.7% is the representation favour autonomous behaviour, will bring the different of Greek women in the national Parliament, and it is the types of human relationships into question to an extent lowest level in the European Union with regard to the never before experienced. The relationship between men participation of women in national parliaments. and women will have been radically modified through Fortunately, 4 Greek women were voted to the Euro­ access to new technologies and the consequent changes. pean Parliament in the poll last June (in the previous Parliament there wasn't a single woman among the 20 -The social desertion of the city-suburb can have seri­ Greek parliamentarians). ous consequences such as xenophobic violence and politi­ co-religious tension. New solidarity should be developed One should recognize that two factors played an im­ between European citizens and migrants, between social portant role. The first was the campaign supported by classes and between generations. From now on, women the European Union for the promotion of equal partici­ mediators in these categories have a role to play as fore­ pation of men and women in the European elections. runners in the safeguarding of social cohesion. Second, the European Union's legislation and policy for equality of the sexes greatly contributed to changing the ...... , march - april 1995 • n• 51

concept of equaliry among the decision-makers of Greek quently, the European Social Fun'd (ESF) created possi­ ceptance of court rulings in one country for divorces be­ political parries. bilities to help women in ways which go beyond oppor­ ing recognized in other countries. The same goes for The larrer finally rook accounr of the demands for rhe tunities offered by national structures. For example, court decisions on custody of children. balanced parriciparion of men and women on rhe elec­ German legislation on the promotion of employment ex­ roral lisrs. That is already a big step forward! Bur we cludes financing family allowances. The ESF allows have a long way ro go before the European Union's ef­ some women - those requiring assistance from third par­ Could you give us a more personalized description of forrs , rhe Greek parries' actions and especially rhe Greek ties to care for their children or disabled fam ily-members yourself, and tell us about the proftssional achievements that patriarchal sociery will have been able ro close the gap be­ - to parricipate in retrai ning schemes or to acquire new you are proud of tween the position of Greek women and that of rhe skills. Over the last few years, the European network women of other Member States. IRIS has allowed for over 80 German initiatives for the When looking back, I am proud of having starred re­ vocational training of women to participate in exchanges search in the social field in Sweden. And, of course, of The recently founded European Network of Women with parrner projects from other European Union Mem­ what I managed to do in the 60s and 70s in the field of Greek Journalists, aims ro work inrensely so that infor­ ber States and in the exchange of information. The same equal opportunities: the introduction of individual taxa­ mation will become a precious tool for Greek women, is true of the programme NOW which last year gave over tion -which was a decisive step towards real equaliry be­ who should themselves contribute to the change in men­ 40 projects the chance to benefit from the skills of tween women and men in Sweden - to get rid of the talities in our sociery, and demand equal opporrunities in women from other countries - from the computer spe­ "head of household" concept, to change family law so as their professional lives and in politics. cialist to the environmental experr. to respond ro real equaliry, to introduce the right to child care. More importantly, women in the European Parlia­ I am also proud of having been the first woman Min­ ment, including 35 from Germany- whatever their parry ister for Foreign Trade in the Swedish Government. - have ensured that one quarter of those working in the "German WOmen European "government", i.e. the Commission, are You are a member of the group of Commissioners on women. Is that too a model for Germany to follow? Equal Opportunities. What, in your opinion, can be ex­ Investing in Europe" pected from this group? ••••••••••••••••••• As I mentioned earlier, the Group will be working ro­ Kerstin Hoth getheron a number of issues concerning equal opportu­ Coordinator of the work group of female German nities. I am quite confident that all the experience that journalists - "Dialog Europa" we represent wi ll be reflected in the work of the Group­ which is an internal Commission group - and that we ob interview: . "_Excellent certificates", says. the head of A ita Grad·n will be able to make concrete contributions both to equal Jpersonnel pratsmgly to Mr. Muller, marned, age 38. opportunities within the Commission and in EU poli­ "When," she asks the father of three children, "have you cies, for women all over the Union. taken leave ro raise your children? How long have you European worked part-time?" Mr. Muller, somewhat embarrassed answers: "Well, in our family it's my wife who does Commissioner who How do you see the position of women inside the Com­ that". "Then I am afraid we are unable to give you a mission? Do you think that you will be able to influence the managerial position in our firm. We insist that our man­ Listens to Citizens situation positively in this Institution? How would you do agement experience this kind of responsibiliry. But you that? are still young. Your children still need you. Try it and ••••••••••••••••••• all of our doors will be open for you." If German policy I have been working for many years with equal oppor­ on women has not been able ro make such fundamental ou have joined the Union with a heavy load of respon­ tunities, both in Sweden as a minister, and as chair of So­ changes in social realiry, judged desirable by a German Y sibilities. You are handling extremely important port­ cialist International Women. I know that you have to set social-democrat in an article regarding the compatibiliry folios - questions linked to '1mmigration, Home Affairs and yourself realistic targets and formulate a strategy ro reach of family and work, Europe has neverrheless made it pos­ justice '; "Financial Control" and "Fraud Prevention". You the goal. I am myself not opposed to quotas as a means sible for more and more women to claim their rights and represent a new Member State and you are one of the five of reaching equaliry. The results of the policies we have ro cross new boundaries. women Commissioners in the most 'feminine" Commission pursued in Sweden are reflected in the fact that we today in history. How do you envisage your mandate? have a government with 50% men, just to mention one A work contract cannot be refused a woman because example. of pregnancy - in fact it is illegal to ask the question dur­ For me, the most important question concerns the Commissioner Liikanen is, as you know, responsible ing a job interview - since the European Court of Justice Citizens' Europe, and all of my responsibilities are linked for personnel. He is also a member of the group of ruled accordingly. From the standpoint of German law, to that. If we cannot successfully handle the questions Commissioners for Equal Opportunities, and we have al­ this point was an "acquis". Another example: employees linked to immigration or judicial cooperation, we will ready had our first discussions on the matter. working half-time were often denied the benefits, al­ not be able ro fulfil our obligations to people living with­ lowances, etc. that their full -time colleagues received un­ in the Union. If we cannot handle rhe financial manage­ der the terms of a collective agreement. In the eyes of ment of the taxpayer's money, or fight successfully Europe is now approaching its half century anniversary. the German courts, this was not discriminarory against against fraud, people will not trust the European Union. What thoughts come to your mind on the eve of9 May? women. European judges in Luxembourg, however, rec­ ognized disguised discrimination since it is mostly When looking to the future, what comes to my mind women who seek odd jobs. The fact that the German We know ofyour interest and commitment to women s is the essential question of peace and securiry. This very courts also focused their attention on disguised, indirect issues (indeed, you were responsible for equality issues .from question was also what, from the beginning, made me discrimination is also to the credit of European law. 1982 to 1986 in Sweden). Do you wish and do you intend choose political life and turn to European politics. As a Those called second class employees in Germany have to promote women s issues in the European Union .from your young girl, I listened ro a speech by Paul-Henri Spaak, only recently acquired the right to remuneration when own portfolio? And how do you intend to do that? who was visiting Sweden, and heard him talk on the vi­ they are sick or when a work day falls on a holiday. This sion of European integration as a means ro prevent war. is thanks to a plaintiff from Oldenburg who acquired Since I myself took the initiative in Senningen of Having had the very near experience of children who this right before the EC court in the name of numerous forming a group of Commissioners responsible for equal came to Sweden to escape the war, this seemed to me ro other women. It is perhaps not because of the prepon­ opportunities, I arrach great importance to the work to be the way to solve conflicts without weapons. This is derance of women that EC court rulings are so be done. We have already had our fi rst meeting, and will still for me a very basic argument for European integra­ favourable towards them. On the contrary, the EC court from now on meet every second month. I am confident tion. e presents European law logically without ideological that both my colleagues and I will have real opportunities blinkers. That is why "Europe" is beneficial for German to make a contribution to promoting equal opportuni­ women as well. ties. Since I am also responsible for immigration, justice Polls questioning German women, namely in the new and home affairs, I have a number of areas that directly Lander, revealed a kind of scepticism with regard to rhe concern women. Take, for instance, the situation of European Union. What they expect from the integration women refugees, of migrant women and their right to a into a new western economic order is an improvement in resi dence permit on their own merits, or in case of family their position. The fact is that the majoriry of women in reunification. Furrhermore, the internal market results, the new Lander have become unemployed, and that jobs of course, in people marrying across borders - and also as mothers' helpers have been done away with. Conse- divorcing. There is much to be done in the area of ac-

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• c •••••••••• Among the recommendations made are, namely, the need for a directive on the reversal of the burden of proof, for a change in attitudes, for the protection of ac­ "Women of the European quired rights and an awareness campaign, in order for pation of women in economic life, in the redefinition of women to become more familiar with their rights. Commission 1984-1994" work and in decision-making in general. He also called on women to contribute "in a positive and novel manner The examination of Marlene Lenz's and Christine he Equal Opportunities Unit in the Directorate­ in the Intergovernmental Conference of 1996". Crawley's opinions regarding preparations for the Inter­ General IX - Personnel and Administration - has governmental Conference of 1996 was also on the agen­ Trecently published a brochure in the form of com­ For a copy of the "Women of the European Commis­ da of the Committee on Women's Rights' session. mented statistics presenting the evolution of the position sion - 1984 - 1994" brochure, or to receive more infor­ Christine Crawley brought in an oral amendment, of women within the Commission, and of their presence mation about the Equal Opportunities Unit of the Euro­ adopted unanimously, proposing a clause in the treaty in terms of employment over the past 10 years. pean Commission, contact: recognizing the fundamental right to equal treatment, The brochure falls under the equal opportunities poli­ the abuse of which would be addressed by the Court of cy set up by the Commission for irs female personnel. Irs Laura Vlqueira, Justice. The rwo amended opinions were adopted unani­ Head of Unit, DG IX, 8 Square Orban, 1049 Brussels. aim is to draw the attention of the hierarchy to the diffi­ mously. culties encountered by women, namely in climbing the Tel: (32 2) 295 87 25 - 295 OS 55, ~ax : 296 28 24 ladder of the upper ranks of the hierarchy, and in bridg­ The Committee also unanimously adopted an opin­ ing existing gaps. ion addressed to the Development Commission. It un­ Beijing: the Review of the derscores women's vulnerability to the AIDS virus, and Since 1978, actions have been taken in favour of calls for women who are HIV-posirive or who have the women working in the Commission, such as the estab­ European Commission's "Joint illness to be involved in the elaboration of Committee lishment of a Committee on Equal Opportunities for Position" programmes or projects aimed at curbing the spread of men and women (COPEC), and in 1988 the setting up the epidemic. of the first positive action programme. ith a view to the 4th International Conference on Women to take place in Beijing in Septem­ The next meeting of the Committee on Women's 1991 was a stepping stone with the creation of DG Wber 1995 under the auspices of the United Na­ Rights on 24 and 25 May, in which representatives of IX's Equal Opportunities Unit. 1992 followed with the tions, a preparatory meeting is currently underway in the national parliaments will participate, will focus on launching of the second programme, the objective of New York (from 13 March to 5 April). Its objective is to preparations for the International Conference in Beijing. which was threefold: ensuring a sufficient presence of allow the delegations and NGOs of the various countries women in those grades where they are under-represented to elaborate a document for adoption in Beijing, which Due to deadlines, the "Women of Europe Newsletter" (namely category A), tracking the career development of will constitute the groundwork for measures aiming at was not able in irs issue number 50 to update you on the women in all categories thanks to training and the moni­ improving the condition of women around the world. European Parliament's committees on women's rights of toring of promotions, and allowing the women through January and February. Here is a brief overview. accompanying measures, to harmoniously combine pro­ Considering the "Women of Europe Newsletter"'s fessional and family life. printing deadline, we are unable to relay the results of the The Committee on Women's Rights of 30 and 31 preparatory conference in New York in this 51st issue. January welcomed Commissioner Padraig Flynn, respon­ In the framework of these objectives, a system of de­ We will come back to this very important meeting in our sible for Social Affairs, and consequently for Equal Op­ tailed statistics was set up to assist the Human Resources next issue. • portunities. Units of the different Directorates-General in elaborating Padraig Flynn mentioned the creation of the Group their own positive action programmes. for Equal Opportunities set up by the Santer Commis­ This Unit of the DG IX is coordinating the launching sion, stressing that in his opinion, irs work should focus of the 2nd programme, and edits an internal newsletter on the participation of women in decision-making, on ("Bulletin Actions Positives"). It is also currently partici­ violent acts committed against women, on the effects of pating in the pilot-experiments carried our by rwo Direc­ poverty and on the economic situation of women in gen­ torates-General (DG V - Employment, Social Affairs and eral. Industrial Relations, and DG XV - Internal Market and Financial Services) which consist in measures aimed at Finally, the Committee on Women's Rights of23 and raising the awareness of the hierarchy and promoting a 24 February, was addressed by Mrs. Simone Veil, French change of attitude in the workplace. European Parliament's Minister of Social Affairs, Health and Urban Affairs, and Committee on Women's Rights serving Chairperson of the Council of Social Affairs. She Laura Viqueira, Head of the Equal Opportunities presented the lines of action that France will be develop­ Unit - DG IX- stresses that "the position of the woman ing: preparation for the Beijing Conference, for which is not much different than in other European institu­ he 21 and 22 March meeting of the EP Committee an "ad hoc" group is developing a "joint position" for the tions, national administrations or even large firms. On on Women's Rights was essentially devoted to ex­ ensemble of Member States, the adoption of a resolution the other hand, it is important for the Commission to Tperts' testimonies on the equality of men's and on the equal participation of women and men in deci­ have a progress-oriented attitude and to set an example, women's salaries. sion-making and the holding of a European symposium because it is the motor in the Community's decision­ The purpose was to examine the improvements to be on the status of the spouses of self-employed workers. making machine, in the legislative framework. It is so made in the present situation, in the framework of the She also announced that 3 directive proposals, in important, that a group for the Promotion of Equal Op­ memorandum from the European Commission regard­ abeyance, regarding parental leave, the reversal of the portunities was created within, bur also outside the Com­ ing equal pay for equal work. burden of proof, and atypical work, will be exan1ined in mission, chaired by President Jacques Santer, and in The memorandum, which will be accompanied by a the framework of discussions with the partners of social which many Commissioners participate." "code of good conduct" considered as a technical tool to dialogue. extend equal pay, has to inform the public so that indi­ Laura Viqueira points our that "if the Commission is viduals will be familiar with the principle of equal pay, The Committee also welcomed delegates of the Coun­ nor discriminatory in terms of the presence of women and so that it be applied in a satisfactory manner by cil of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), in­ (they make up 45% of personnel), or in terms of salary, national courts and tribunals. cluding the Secretary General, Mrs. Elizabeth Gareau, it is discriminatory in terms of the presence of women in who argued in favour of promoting the presence of the upper hierarchy. We must nor forger that it is specif­ Experts from the different Member States reviewed women on the local and regional levels of politics. e ically mentioned in the second posi tive action pro­ the context of the female labour market in each of their gramme that we must maintain the principle of giving countries and put forward proposals which might con­ priority to women with equal qualifications and merits in tribute to resolving the problems. cases of recruitment, promotion or appeal regarding the managerial position in question". Generally, the obstacles to equal pay are due to a lack of consideration vis a vis female labour, to the negative At a conference organized by DG IX's Equal Oppor­ cultural and social attitudes, to the lack of appropriate tunities Unit on the occasion of International Women's skills among women and to the difficulty of obtaining Day 8 March last, Jacques Sanrer spoke to give his sup­ equality through currently existing legislation. port not only to equal opportunities, but to the parrici-

k~-::;-.{-.; • II< I l ' 'I I 1 ,, · · _ Veronique Houdart·Biazy, Head of Section, Information for Women- Directorate-General X . • , c ~~".' · ., , Contact address: Rue de Treves 120, B · 1040 Bruxelles. (32 2)299 91 24 (32 2)299c 38 91 ~- ' · i,t;~f:(;.~ -· .:. . !he /l!,musr11pt ofthis 5htzswr u•.z< romplrtcd "limdtty, i flp11!1995 C, 1'1i111cd on mFironmemal(v Jiimd(v papa • ' • · •. . : ~

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