The Manifesto of the European Socialist Party for Women

PASOK – Women’s Sector

Event for March 8

Xenod. Titania, 06.03.09

Anna Karamanou, PESWomenVice–Presidentformer MEP and former President of the Parliamentary Committee on Women of the European Parliament

Presentation of the PESManifesto positions on gender equality

The Women’s Council of the Party of European Socialists (PES) successfully developed and promoted positions in the Manifesto for the European elections of June 2009. Today we proudly declare that the PES is the only European party that has made gender equality and women’s rights one of its priorities (a total of six: 1. Addressing the economic crisis 2. New Social Europe 3. Environment 4. Gender Equality 5. European Migration Policy 6. Strengthening the role of Europe for peace, security, and development).

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, all member parties of the PES are organizing events this weekend to present the positions of European Socialists on equality, as part of the campaign for the European elections. The Manifesto notes the significant progress made in recent years towards achieving real equality between men and women, thanks mainly to the struggles of socialists and social democrats, in collaboration with progressive women’s organizations.

However, serious inequality issues remain: women still earn on average 15% less than men for the same job in the EU, are more threatened by unemployment, and their entry into employment is discouraged by a lack of job openings or by the availability of low-quality or part-time jobs. Furthermore, millions of women around the world face exploitation and violations of their rights, trafficking, domestic violence, and other violations.

Throughout Europe, over half a century after obtaining the right to vote and to be elected, women in politics are few. In some countries, men have no parental leave rights at all. Women are often forced to choose between children and career. For workers, it is very difficult to combine the obligations of professional and personal life. We can change this: We have launched a campaign at local, regional, and national levels to increase childcare places. EU countries that have strengthened the rights and opportunities of women now have the highest female employment participation and the highest birth rates.

We will continue to fight against social racial stereotypes because we believe that the strengthening of women’s rights and equal opportunities will bring specific economic, social, and democratic benefits to all citizens.

Let us make gender equality a reality for all:

We propose to draft a European Charter for Women’s Rights, to improve the rights and opportunities of women, and to promote mechanisms for achieving equality in all areas of social, economic, and political life.

We propose to establish improved parental leave rights for women and men, throughout the EU and at the highest possible levels.

We undertake a campaign for equal political representation of women and men in all decision-making bodies at the European level. We will fight for gender equality in the European Commission and in the European Parliament and we will demand the establishment of the position of Commissioner for Gender Equality.

We will work to support parents in balancing care and professional responsibilities. To support this goal, we propose that member states fulfill the European target of 33% coverage of the needs for children aged 0-3 years and 90% for children from 3 years until school age, while simultaneously adopting complementary quality targets for child care.

We will lead the battle to close the gender pay gap, as it is a matter of vital importance for improving the standard of living, combating poverty, and enhancing economic growth.

We will encourage and support women entrepreneurs, scientists, and researchers in order to expand their opportunities.

We will ensure and promote sexual and reproductive rights and health rights throughout the EU.

We recommend that Europe’s efforts to combat trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation be strengthened through improved judicial and police cooperation.

We propose to encourage and support the EU and the member states in their efforts to stop domestic and racial violence, including violence against national minorities, through appropriate European programs and funding.

A new European progressive and reformist agenda is necessary in order to continue to be at the forefront of the fight for equality initiatives for women and men.

We can build a fairer society by prioritizing people. To set Europe on a new trajectory in June 2009. [email protected], www.karamanou.gr