EU Strategy for Equality: EPP Group is united and mobilised

"The promotion of equality between men and women has always been at the heart of the EPP Group's priorities and we are proud to speak with one voice to defend our values", said Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz MEP and Constance Le Grip MEP during a European Parliament debate on the next EU strategy for equality between men and women after 2015.

"We regret to see that, once again, the Left is orchestrating issues related to equality and is basing itself on completely unrealistic measures which will penalise the progression of women's rights in the end. This is unacceptable and this is why we presented an alternative Resolution in which we set out the objectives and framework of action of this strategy in order to promote equality at all levels (local, national, etc) and in different fields such as education, work, or health", said Gáll-Pelcz, the EPP Group Shadow Rapporteur.

"As regards education and access to work, for example, it is absolutely necessary to develop female entrepreneurship and reduce the wage gap which remains at 16.4%. Action must also be taken to increase the participation of women in political and economic decision-making", said Constance Le Grip, the EPP Group’s Spokeswoman in the Gender Equality and Women's Rights Committee of the European Parliament. "Violence against women at home or at work is a scourge that we are determined to fight. Thus, we call on the European Institutions and the Member States to take urgent measures against this abuse and against the stereotypes who replicate inequality", she added.

"For the EPP Group, it is also essential that the EU's new strategy for equality between men and women takes into account the key role that Member States have to play in this combat. Unlike the Left, we are convinced that Europe should not meddle in all areas and that it is essential for the defence of equality to respect the powers of the Member States with regard to certain rights, particularly on ethical or family law issues", they concluded.