Equal Opportunities for women and men in the Union. 1996 report

The Committee has adopted the report by Marie-Paule KESTELIJN-SIERENS (ELDR, B) on the Commission's first annual report (1996) on equal opportunities. Attention is drawn to the Commission report's lack of analysis; Mrs KESTELIJN-SIERENS wants more detailed assessment of the situation in the Member States so that it can form the basis for future strategy. The committee regrets that the annual report does not give an overview of steps taken in the Member States to implement the Beijing Platform For Action which sets out ways of improving job opportunities for women. It is concerned that there has been no progress in increasing the number of women involved in decision-making. The Commission and Member States are asked to take measures to encourage women to set up their own businesses. �