EPHA’s Response to the Commission Follow-up Strategy to the Roadmap on Gender Equality between Women and Men

The Roadmap identified six priority areas and sets objectives and key actions for each. On the eve of the expiry of its mandate, the Commission wanted to have the European NGOs views on the follow-up Strategy.

The main challenges that a new strategy for gender equality should address is the phenomenon of multiple discrimination and its consequences on health. Because gender inequality and other social determinants are causes for ill-health, including sexual and reproductive health, a special emphasis was placed on mental health and sexual and reproductive health.

Regarding the structure of the Roadmap, EPHA would like to promote an approach similar to the one taken by the Beijing Platform for Action, that is more emphasis given to “Women and Health”. Indeed, gender has a considerable influence on the propensity and exposure to diseases.

However, gender inequalities do not only affect women and not addressing men’s generally poorer health status specifically through one-policy-fits-all type approaches is a source of inequality. Therefore, a new health focused priority, closely linked to the first policy area “achieving equal economic independence for women and men” is needed.

The fifth policy area “eliminating gender stereotypes in society-through education, training and culture” should be highlighted. Comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual education in and out of school can contribute to the removal of gender stereotypes and in the long term will have an impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

EPHA’s response to the Commission consultation:

 EPHA’s Response to the EC Consultation on the Follow-up Strategy to the Roadmap on Gender Equality between Women and Men

EPHA related article:
 Gender inequalities in working conditions in the EU