The gender equality strategy of the European Commission expires at the end of 2015. In particular since the mid-1990ies, the Commission has been an important motor for the gender equality policy in the EU Member States. However, over the past years it has significantly lost in strength – hence, a strong signal, which gets the engine running again, is the order of the day!

Until 21st July 2015, each citizen can give his or her opinion via a short online questionnaire whether and how the future gender equality policy should be continued at EU level. From the point of view of the AK, an ambitious continuation of the EU's gender equality strategy is absolutely essential. By taking part in the consultation procedure, you will be able to set a strong signal, as only a strong participation can ensure that the forthcoming challenges will be addressed.

A short overview of the most important AK demands and with that the most urgent problems:

• Lower pay for women for the same or equivalent work
• Discrimination of women at the workplace
• Migrants and single parents should receive special attention
• Improved access to affordable and high quality childcare
• Improved institutional and care at home (for older people and those requiring care) and better support for informal carers
• Introduction of mandatory parental leave for fathers
• Supporting the participation of men on pro-feminist movements and support of men’s organisations, which die campaign for gender equality
• Improved access to affordable and high quality institutional care
• Improved access to formal care at home
• Access to education and economic gender equality as a prerequisite for gender equality in almost all areas of life

Further information:

Questionnaire for the public consultation

Information on the consultation procedure