14508/09 ADD 1 PL/vk 1 DG G COUNCIL OF THE ... - Europa

6.3. Challenges for the future
European cooperation brings opportunities for the joint development of policies, legislation, the
exchange of experience, etc. to enable our countries to make progress in the various areas identified
in the Beijing Platform.
Challenges concerning the critical areas of concern
When responding to current global challenges, including climate change and its environmental
aspects and the economic and financial crisis, it is important to pay attention to the gender impact in
designing policies, both at EU and national level. Furthermore, it is also necessary to enhance the
gender dimensions of development assistance and the enlargement policies of the EU in order to
promote the empowerment of women worldwide.
Gender equality policies have to take into consideration the needs of women in minority groups.
Multiple discrimination of women and girls based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief,
disability, age or sexual orientation needs to be further studied and taken into account in policies
and programmes.
Many of the Member States mention also the responsibilities of men in achieving gender equality.
Men have to be active in finding solutions, especially in the endeavour to combat violence against
women. Furthermore, when it comes to balancing work, family and domestic responsibilities,
men must carry their share of the burden.
Challenges related to the critical areas of concern have been identified and described in the reports
from the Member States to the UNECE. Although there is no EU agreement on these challenges it
is interesting to see what the Member States have in mind as regards the continued implementation
of the Beijing Platform for Action. Some of the challenges referred to by the Member States are
listed below under separate headings.
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