Gender equality: framework strategy, work programme for 2001

The European Parliament adopted, without debate, the report by Mrs Ida FIGUEIREDO (GUE/NGL, P). In particular, the House calls for priority to be given to implementing the Community's framework strategy on gender equality and the recently adopted programme. On the other hand, the Parliament notes that the work programmes fails to implement a number of proposal from the social policy agenda, in particular the draft Directive on equal treatment of men and women in sectors other than employment (2002) and the feasibility study on establishing a gender institute (2001). It was highlighted by the Parliament that the Stockholm European Council called on the Council and Commission to develop indicators by 2002 on the provision of care facilities for children and other dependents, family benefit systems and pay differentials between men and women. Furthermore, it calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for such indicators before the end of this year. The Commission is also called upon to submit an assessment report to Parliament on compliance with resolutions, recommendations and directives already adopted. Lastly, the Parliament proposes that the Commission should also submit, before the end of this year, a communication on the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the new programming documents under the Structural Funds, with a view to better use of those funds in promoting gender equality. �