SUPPORT TO THE STRENGTHENING OF THE SERBIAN OMBUDSMAN Experiences of the Greek Ombudsman, challenges and successes Mrs. Matina Yannakourou Deputy Greek Ombudsman for Gender Equality

Do we need Gender Equality? Gender Equality,a necessary prerequisite for: Addressing the demographic issue Fostering economic development Increasing competitiveness Utilising the entire productive potential

Where do we stand in Gender Equality? Continuous production of Directives and case- law on equal treatment in issues of employment, social insurance, access to goods and services. More, but not better jobs for women Insufficient professional prospects Gender pay gap Difficulties in combining private and professional life

Gender Equality in times of recession Reduced opportunity for women to find stable, secure jobs with satisfactory pay Maternity and parental rights considered an excessive burden by employers and the State Maternity benefits suffer severe restrictions as to beneficiary categories as well as social security rights Implementation of the principle of equal treatment not considered a major priority Major need for independent monitoring and promoting mechanisms

The role of the Department of Gender Equality Investigation of complaints Cooperation with other public authorities such as the General Secretariat for Equality and the Labour Inspectorate Cooperation with the private sector, NGOs, Trade Unions active in the field Preparation of annual reports for monitoring and promotion purposes Training of public officials on gender mainstreaming Networking with European Gender Equality Bodies

Successes of the G.E.D. More than 400 complaints filed by individuals or legal entities (Trade Unions) between Noticeable percentage of complaints from men (15-30%) Rising number of complaints from the private sector (from 0% in 2008 to almost 20% today) Large number of cases from the private sector settled in favour of the complainant (i.e. revocation of dismissals of pregnant workers)

Successes of the G.E.D. Several proposals of the GED accepted by the administration, leading to: Legislative amendments in favour of gender equality Interpretation of provisions based on the principle of equal treatment and gender equality Cover of legislative gaps Adoption of policies in favour of gender equality

Successes of the GED Continuous update of the Staff with regard to national and European legislation and case law (ERA Seminars, Network meetings etc) Participation of the staff in training seminars of gender mainstreaming for public servants and Labour Inspectors Issue of numerous Findings Reports on important issues, addressed to the relevant Ministers Issue of a the Special Report of the GED in November 2009 (summarising the Department activities so far in a 90 pages edition)

Challenges faced by the G.E.D. Gap between legislation and social mentality Lack of resources (human and financial) Lack of statistical data with regard to gender equality Bureaucracy and cooperation deficit

The future of Gender Equality Department Information & raising awareness on gender equality among the citizens Preventive measures for tackling gender discrimination Enhancing cooperation with the Labour Inspectorate Enhancing cooperation with the social partners and private sector Exchange of best practices with other European Gender Equality Bodies Expansion in the field of equal treatment in the access to and supply of goods and services in the public sector