The document summarizes a symposium on gender equality in Paris in 2013. It discusses the underrepresentation of women in political decision making in Europe and goals set by various organizations to increase women's participation, including a 30% target for women in political leadership roles. It outlines the European Union's roadmap from 2006-2010 to address this issue and introduces speakers at the symposium including Vice President Viviane Reding who discussed a pledge for more women on corporate boards in Europe.

1. SYMPOSIUM
on
GENDER EQUALITY
PARIS
th November 2013
6

2. EUROPE

3. Women in Political Decision
Making
Gender Balance in Political
Decision Making is a stated
goal of the European Union

4. Addressing the underrepresentation of Women in
Political Decision Making
 EU Roadmap 2006 - 2010.
 Council of Europe recommendation for balanced
participation of Women & Men in Politics.
 CEDAW calls for an equality policy.
 Beijing Platform of Action calls for full
participation of women in decision making.
 The Commonwealth Gender Plan of Action 2005 –
2015 calls for 30% target for women in political
decision making.

5. Women on Board: Yes but How ?

6. Member States Of Europe
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Austria (1995)
Belgium (1952)
Bulgaria (2007)
Croatia (2013)
Cyprus (2004)
Czech Republic (2004)
Denmark (1973)
Estonia (2004)
Finland (1995)
France (1952)
Germany (1952)
Greece (1981)
Hungary (2004)
Ireland (1973)
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Italy (1952)
Latvia (2004)
Lithuania (2004)
Luxembourg (1952)
Malta (2004)
Netherlands (1952)
Poland (2004)
Portugal (1986)
Romania (2007)
Slovakia (2004)
Slovenia (2004)
Spain (1986)
Sweden (1995)
United Kingdom (1973)

7. Vice-President Viviane Reding

8. WOMEN ON BOARD PLEDGE
FOR EUROPE
I pledge to reach the target of 30% female
board members by 2015 and 40% by 2020
by actively recruiting qualified women to
replace outgoing mail board members

9. A CORPORATE BOARD WITH WOMEN and MEN

10. We want women, men, girls & boys to have
equal rights and opportunities
Catherine Ashton
Malala Yousafzai

11. WOMEN LEADERS

12. JULIA Gillard when in power won praise from United
Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for her "strong
visionary leadership" on fighting poverty and climate
change.
"

13. WOMEN WORLD LEADERS

14. .

15. 40% Women in Parliament
 A critical mass of women in Parliament is
important
 The value of diverse thinking is only realized
when there are enough women to challenge
assumptions
 Increased transparency during the recruitment
process will ensure the widest range of
candidates to be considered
 Thus removing the risk of the ‘golden skirt’ rule

16. Thank you
Doris Bingley
ECICW PRESIDENT