PARTNER’S FORUM of the 9th Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting St Michael, Barbados 5 June 2010 Lessons from Europe: Promoting Financial Market Recovery through Gender Responsive Reforms

CYPRUS, MALTA, UNITED KINGDOM ARE MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE COMMONWEALTH

Investing in Women The European Union Supports greater Gender Equality both within and outside the Union Acknowledges that Gender Equality is a fundamental human right and a question of social justice Believes that Gender Equality is essential for growth and poverty reduction

Gender Issues and The Economy Women need to be at the policy- making table Women have an important role in the economy Women matter

EUROPEAN SOCIAL POLICY Priorities and Objectives of the community: Job Opportunities Entrepreneurship Education and Training Social Inclusion Combating discrimination in the labour market

EUROPEAN ROADMAP FOR GENDER EQUALITY The Roadmap with its six priorities covers all the internal and external policies of the EU 1. Achieving Equal Economic independence for Women & Men 2. Enhancing Reconciliation of Work, Private and Family Life 3. Promoting Equal Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making

ROADMAP FOR GENDER EQUALITY 4.Eradicating Gender based Violence and Trafficking 5.Eliminating Gender Stereotypes in Society 6.Promoting Gender equality outside the EU

WOMEN Who Make the Mark Women define goals and make connections They have the ability to see opportunities in setbacks Strength of character to make the top Maintain energy and a positive outlook

Gender Equality is Smart Economics Investing in Women is not a question but a must Economic growth for women has an important multiplier effect

Ensuring Economic Growth Equipping women from all backgrounds with the education, skills and support systems necessary to be successful managers, business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Countries with the highest level of gender equality have profited: Greater social justice and stability Economic growth and competitiveness

Progress for Women is Progress for ALL

EU PERSPECTIVE Equality means flexicurity strategies Women’s vital role in dealing with change Europe demographic challenge

EU Lisbon Strategy Promotes growth and jobs 6 million jobs taken by women

Women face many barriers Women’s employment rate remains 15% lower than men Gender pay gap is 15% Traditional ‘women’ jobs Difficulties in reaching decision- making positions The Glass Ceiling

Work-Home Reconciliation Policies Financial support to cover family related costs High quality care services for children & dependent older people Flexible working hours with appropriate leave arrangements

Investing in Women makes sense Women have strong records as entrepreneurs and managers They drive 70% of household spending decisions 10 million of them are self employed or run their own businesses Yet They Struggle to find support from the male-dominated venture capital community

Three areas linking gender equality, economic growth and employment organisation of time the recognition of qualifications in jobs providing services to individuals, and gender balance in professional sectors and decision-making posts.

MALTA Men across varying education levels, enjoy upward growth in income throughout their working lives pattern The trend in gross annual salaries for women appears much more stagnant whether with low or high levels of education.

Conclusion Women as drivers of Economic Expansion Enjoying economic empowerment With the right frameworks in place to Enable them in their career progression Holders of the potential for change and growth

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THANK YOU Doris Bingley NCW & ICW Europe