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General Assembly Resolution on Changing Attitudes and Approaches to Anti-Discrimination and Gender Equality Laws in Europe
RESOLUTION ON CHANGING ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES TO ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND
GENDER EQUALITY LAWS IN EUROPE
Having regard to
The principle of equality of men and women in all areas of EU law, as expressed in the European Treaties, in
particular in Articles 2 and 3(2) EC, which is of crucial importance both as fundamental value of the EU and an
objective to be pursued in all its activities;
the power of the European Union, under Article 13 EC, to combat discrimination based on sex, race or ethnic
origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;
the recognition of gender equality and non-discrimination as fundamental rights that constitute general principles of
EU law and are enshrined in Articles 23 and 21, respectively, of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights;1
the existing EU legislation in the field of gender equality and non-discrimination;
EWLAs previous resolutions and statements in the area of gender equality and non- discrimination;2
the persistent discrimination against and under-representation of women in many walks of life;
the fundamental need to positively change the hearts and minds of society in general to understand the benefits of a diverse and discrimination-free Europe;
hold to account medias stereotypical images of women and the purported need to increase their qualifications so
that they can participate in decision-making at all levels;
EWLA calls upon all Union bodies, especially the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, and the ECJ,
as well as all Member States
to enact effective responses, including legal measures, to the endemic structural gender discrimination prevalent
throughout many public bodies, in the private sector, especially in industries and small companies;
to convince society at large of the values enshrined in gender equality and anti-discrimination laws;
In the latter regard, EWLA expects the European legislators
To ensure that any future European legislation, especially current proposals, take up gender equality as a key
issue;
To ensure gender equality is guaranteed in all fields not yet covered by EU equal treatment directives, in particular
regarding social advantages and education;
In addition, EWLA calls on the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States
To create an accessible and transparent database of those willing to sit on company boards and public bodies as
one measure to ensure suitable candidates are available;
And calls on the Media
To ensure a fair, balanced and non-stereotypical presentation of women and men, especially in the news and
coverage of matters of public interest.
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