EU Funding for Gender Equality

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 26th May 2005

A vote in the European Parliament has assured continuity of funding for European programmes promoting gender equality.

The two funding programmes are aimed at helping to ensure all EU policies and legislation respect equality between men and women, and at supporting organisations active in this field. MEPs approved extending the programmes until the end of 2006.

Welcoming the move, Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, said:

"The EU has been a trail blazer in fighting for equality between men and women - for example guaranteeing equal pay for equal work. This vote will protect funding to make sure that this effort continues."

"Equality has greatly improved over the last few decades and there is much to celebrate. However there are still challenges ahead - such as reconciling work and family life - for both men and women, as well as finally eliminating workplace discrimination."

Note:

Sarah Ludford will be speaking at a conference organised by Women Connect (www.womenconnect.org.uk) on "Views and experiences on gender equality in Europe today" on 15 June 2005.