Public Dialogue on Combating Gender-Based Discrimination

EURΟPEAN PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY

Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, I would like to warmly welcome you to today’s public hearing on the topic of the elimination of gender-based discrimination in areas beyond the workplace.

I would particularly like to welcome Commissioner Mrs. Anna Diamantopoulou and the distinguished experts, who, I am sure, will shed sufficient light on the issue and that a lively and constructive dialogue will follow on this crucial matter, which has sparked great interest, as evidenced by today’s large turnout of participants.

Since the end of 2000, we have been waiting for the Commission to present its proposal for a Directive against gender-based discrimination, based on Article 13 of the Treaty. The Directive was announced with a Communication on the Social Agenda, but, unfortunately, objections from many commissioners and reactions from organized interests, mainly from insurance companies and the media, have hindered the promotion of the Directive.

Our Committee has strongly supported the efforts of Commissioner Mrs. Anna Diamantopoulou and has deeply appreciated her personal commitment and determination to combat gender-based discrimination, in order to guarantee and secure gender equality in all areas of economic, social, and political life.

When the Commissioner, just before the summer, became the target of sexist attacks, many members of our Committee signed a letter of solidarity and support for Mrs. Diamantopoulou, emphasizing that we were aware that behind these attacks were specific economic interests.

At the same time, we expressed our concern about the significant delay and the apparent risk of non-adoption that the new Directive faced.

Without a doubt, women face discrimination in many areas, such as access to goods and services, taxation, social assistance, the media, and advertising, not to mention decision-making centers.

Countless times we have emphasized that gender equality should be applied in all areas and not just selectively in some.

In concluding this introduction to the topic, I would like to emphasize that Article 13 of the EU Treaty must be legally interpreted in a way that ensures gender equality in the daily life and practice, through the prevention of discrimination and the promotion of gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and positive actions.

Once again, I welcome you all and invite you to enrich the public dialogue on the elimination of all discrimination, without exceptions.

I will immediately give the floor to Mrs. Diamantopoulou, who will update us on the latest developments and I hope she will provide us with the date on which the Directive will be presented to the College of Commissioners for approval.