EESC opinion: Employability and entrepreneurship – role of civil society and local and regional bodies from a gender perspective

EESC opinion: Employability and entrepreneurship – role of civil society and local and regional bodies from a gender perspective

Key points

Gender equality is a fundamental challenge for the future of Europe. For this reason, the EESC proposes that the gender perspective of the Lisbon agenda be strengthened, and that the aspects below be included in the mid-term review of the integrated guidelines for growth and jobs and the national reform plans.

The Member States should firmly implement the European Pact for Gender Equality, and appoint national officers for gender equality.

There should be new specific objectives for gender equality in employment policies, with qualitative and quantitative indicators, and to eliminate the gender stereotyping (particularly in education) that restricts entrepreneurship among women.

Governance should be improved, with sufficient involvement of the social partners and civil society organisations, particularly at local and regional level. Local and regional authorities should be actively involved in the national reform plans.