EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES : COMMISSION ADOPTS GENDER EQUALITY ROAD MAP FOR 2006-2010.

• Position: Brief article

A rather different kind of road map, this time for equal opportunities between men and women over the period 2006-2010, is expected to be published by the European Commission on 3 March. Six priority areas have been singled out: economic independence; the reconciliation of work, private life and family life; equal participation in decision-making; eradication of gender-based violence; removal of gender stereotypes; promotion of gender equality in EU external policies and development. The document also listed a series of initiatives, consisting largely of previously mentioned actions.

The Commission's general aim is to bring the principle of gender equality on board other EU policy instruments, such as integrated guidelines for growth and jobs; the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development; the 2010 Education and Training Programme; the implementation of the future Citizens of Europe programme, etc.

The Commission also...