Gender mainstreaming in the European Union: broadening the possibilities for gender equality and/or an inherently constrained exercise?

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia S. O'Connor
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Gender Justice ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
The Eu

The European Union (EU) was an influential voice in advocating the adoption of gender mainstreaming by the 4th United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. Since then gender mainstreaming has become a central policy plank of gender justice globally, but progress has been variable and modest. This paper examines the unfolding of gender mainstreaming in the EU, which was one of the early adopters as reflected by its commitment to gender mainstreaming in 1996. The objective is to identify patterns that may have implications for gender justice on a broader scale. The lenses are the European Employment Strategy dating from 1997 and targeted gender equality initiatives dating from the Community Framework on Gender Equality (2001–2005). Drawing on documentary analysis of these sources constraints on moving form aspiration to policy practice and outcome are identified. These are intensified by the multilevel structure of decision-making in the EU, which means that commitments agreed at the EU level are not pursed with the same fervour by all member states. But constraints are inherent in gender mainstreaming because of the contested and vague nature of the concept, the context of cross-cutting inequalities and the structural basis of these inequalities.

Gender mainstreaming in Europe: legislation and cultural changes

2019 ◽  
pp. 31-46
Author(s):  
Vera Lomazzi ◽  
Isabella Crespi
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cultural Changes ◽  
Substantive Equality ◽  
The Eu

The exploration of the development of the gender mainstreaming strategy and its effect on, European legislation concerning gender equality, from its beginnings to today is the aim of this chapter.The focus is on the role of the European Union in promoting substantive equality for men and women improving legislation in the European Union context and favouring a cultural change in the gender equality perspective. Gender mainstreaming is analysed as the main legislative and cultural shift done for promoting gender equality in all European policies. Gender mainstreaming legislation requires the adoption of a gender perspective by all the central actors in the policy process and, even considering its limits and blunders, and is still the most crucial transnational strategy currently in existence that promotes gender equality in all domains of social life. The legislation enquiries raised at the beginning of the gender mainstreaming implementation process in the EU around 1996 focused on the potential role of the EU in bridging the gap between formal and substantive equality, until nowadays and most recent guidelines, are the issues of the discussion in the chapter.

scholarly journals THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER EQUALITY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: DIMENSIONS AND THEIR CONTENT

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Kh. Rionidze
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
European Union ◽  
European Integration ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Equal Treatment ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Equal Pay ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
The Eu

The topicality of this issue is related to the fact that the EU is founded on a set of values, including equality. Nowadays the attitude towards women in the society is significantly different from that of men. Unfortunately, inequality does not decline over time. The basic idea of gender equality is to provide both women and men with the same rights, opportunities and conditions for full-fledged development. The article is devoted to the dimensions of the principle of gender equality in the European Union, which is important for Ukraine due to the conditions of European integration. The dimensions of gender equality cover the political, economic, civil, social and cultural spheres of our live activity, including achieving gender equality in employment, equal pay for equal work, gender balance in decision making, harmonization of professional and family life, education and «gender mainstreaming». That is why research and analysis of gender equality's dimensions in the EU and defining the legal aspects of their regulation are relevant to the legal system of Ukraine. Over the past few decades, the EU has notably worked for equal treatment legislation, gender mainstreaming and specific measures for the advancement of women. Moreover, the EU has defined the following dimensions of gender equality: equal economic independence for women and men; equal pay for work of equal value; equality in decision-making; dignity, integrity and ending gender-based violence; and promoting gender equality beyond the EU. The dimension of gender equality is a strategy for making women's as well as men's concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and social spheres, so that women and men benefit equally and the inequality is not perpetuated. Although the EU has achieved positive results in protecting human rights, the work is still continuing in this direction. The idea of gender equality is an integral part of equality as a general principle, development and peace in the world. Without this principle, it is impossible to establish the basis for democracy, freedom, justice and tolerance. Recently, the principle of gender equality is getting paramount importance for Ukraine, as one of the conditions for successful European integration.

Gender Equality Policies and European Union Politics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Fiig
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
The Other ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Equal Treatment ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
The One ◽  
The Eu

The European Union (EU) has been characterized as a “gender regime” with its distinctive patterns of gender (in)equalities and path dependencies. Gender equality policies have developed as a genuine policy field over the past decades from a single treaty article to a comprehensive legal and political framework dealing with multiple sources of discrimination. Besides, a range of other policies have got gendered effects, which adds to the debates about gender equality. Gender equality is often presented as a foundational value of the EU with reference to the Treaty of Amsterdam and Lisbon. Research has pointed out that it is an important aspect of the foundational myth of the EU. The development of gender policies has been uneven and met by resistance. However, a general conclusion is that EU institutions have been important catalysts in shaping women’s economic, political, and social equality in Europe and in putting equality rights into effect. The article presents some of the historical, political, and sociological interpretations of the EU’s gender equality policies. The development of actual gender equality policies is described in terms of the following phases: the 1970s (associated with women’s civil and economic rights and equal treatment), the 1980s (equal opportunities, positive action), and the 1990s (gender mainstreaming in the whole union and for all policy areas). Since the 2000s, a fourth phase of new policies against multiple discrimination has been developing. These different stages of EU gender policy continue to coexist. The analysis approaches gender equality policies as situated between concerns for gender equality and multiple discrimination on the one hand and priorities of economy and finance on the other. Critical voices in the literature have pointed out that these priorities have outperformed ideas about gender equality. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, EU austerity policies represent a “critical juncture” that could undo the long-term progress achieved in gender equality in Europe. Besides, gender equality policies suffer from a gap between institutionalization on the one hand and a lack of consistency and full political commitment on the other. In the context of the contemporary crises in the EU, the paper investigates the development and status of gender equality policies and adds to the literature through its critical focus. A key point is that dynamic gender relations, multiple discrimination, and women’s various roles in society matter for understanding the EU and European integration. This raises questions about the EU’s role as a driving force for gender equality and against multiple discrimination. What happened to gender equality policies and to gendered effects of other policies as a result of the various crises in the EU?

Gender Equality in the European Union: The EU Script and its Support by European Citizens

Sociology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Gerhards ◽  
Mike S. Schäfer ◽  
Sylvia Kämpfer
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Eu

scholarly journals Gender equality in European Union development policy: incorporating women’s voices or confirming hierarchies?

Afrika Focus ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Debusscher
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Development Aid ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Civil Society Organisations ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Eu

This paper examines gender mainstreaming in European Union (EU) development aid towards Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim is to detect how gender (in)equality in Sub-Saharan Africa is framed by the EU by critically assessing the nature and range of the differences between EU and civil society framings of gender (in)equality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using the method of Critical Frame Analysis, 28 EU programming documents have been analysed and compared to 10 civil society texts on gender equality. I conclude that the EU’s approach to gender mainstreaming in its development aid towards Sub-Saharan Africa is to a large extent integrationist and predominantly instrumentalist as it is framed as a way of more effectively achieving existing policy goals. The more transformative issues that are put forward by Sub-Saharan African civil society organisations do not t within the EU’s dominant development paradigm that is focused on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and does not signficantly challenge gender relations or power structures. The gap between the analysed civil society views and those expressed by the EU can be explained by the EU’s reluctance to include in its policy drafting the promotion of gender equality by civil society organisations. Moreover, the gap seems to have both practical and ideological grounds. Key words: gender equality, European Union, Sub-Saharan Africa, development policy, civil society, millennium development goals, critical frame analysis 

Policy framing and resistance: Gender mainstreaming in Horizon 2020

2020 ◽  
pp. 135050682093549
Author(s):  
Bianka Vida
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Framework Programme ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Framing ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Policy Frame

Scholarship on gender mainstreaming (GM) in the European Union (EU) consistently highlights the disappointing implementation of gender mainstreaming. This article contributes to that discussion through the analysis of the first policy frame on gender equality in the work programmes of the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Development, Horizon 2020, from 2014 until 2016. This article analyses how GM as a transformative strategy is contextualised by advisory group experts, and what is being achieved within Horizon 2020 work programmes. In opposition to the Commission’s rhetorical commitment to GM, this article demonstrates that Horizon 2020 work programmes exemplify a failure of implementing GM, further depoliticising gender equality in the Commission’s neoliberal context.

Economization of Expert Knowledge about Gender Equality in the European Union

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Elomäki
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Knowledge Production ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Gender Equality Policy ◽  
The Eu

Abstract The article analyzes (i) how the increasing demand for empirical evidence about the economic impacts of gender equality transforms expert knowledge about gender equality in the European Union (EU) and (ii) the implications of these transformations. The article argues that the much-debated discursive economization of gender equality in the EU context is underpinned by the economization of expert knowledge about gender equality—the increasing reliance on mainstream economics to support gender equality claims. This has increased the influence of gender-biased economics knowledge and its modes of knowledge production in EU gender equality policy.

Depoliticising Gender Equality in Turbulent Times: The Case of the European Gender Action Plan for External Relations

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 426-443
Author(s):  
Friederike Beier ◽  
Gülay Çağlar
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Technical Data ◽  
External Relations ◽  
Turbulent Times ◽  
Policy Shift ◽  
The Eu

Since more than a decade, the EU is confronted with a number of crises that significantly changed the environment under which the EU operates in the field of gender equality. Evidence shows, that in many European countries, the different crises have led to a deprioritisation of gender equality policies. However, the way in which the new Gender Action Plan for External Relations 2015–2020 of the European Union addresses and operationalises gender equality suggests in contrast a policy shift towards an intensified commitment and more comprehensive understanding of gender. Against this background, this article analyses, first, how the content and the conceptual orientation of gender equality policies in European Union’s external relations have changed in the light of post-crisis recommendations. Second, the article scrutinises the ways in which the European Union tries to tackle the credibility crisis through increasingly intensified and operationalised policy procedures. The argument put forth is that the gender-related indicators in the Gender Action Plan translate complex societal processes into a technical data-based framework and thereby depoliticise gender equality by simulating a technocratic, evidence-based and quantified form of politics.

scholarly journals Gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in academia: successes and failures of the initiatives promoted by the European Union

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Rita Bencivenga ◽  
Cinzia Leone ◽  
Anna Siri
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
Scientific Debate ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Promote Gender Equality

Abstract The article summarises the scientific debate on the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies adopted by the European Union to promote gender equality in academia and the adoption of a gender perspective in research. The article focuses on introducing gender mainstreaming, promoting gender equality and structural change in research performing and financing organisations, and adopting gender action/equality plans. The discussion is structured around textual analysis of relevant EU acts, scientific literature, reports of EU funded research projects, communication and support actions. The authors discuss the critics of the various initiative and advance some considerations about what could support individuals and groups interested in promoting positive changes towards gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the academic field. The article relevance is linked to the innovation promoted by Horizon Europe, that requires all public institutions applying for Eu funding to have a Gender equality plan, and the risks that previous mistakes can be repeated hindering the process towards gender equality as in the recent past.

Protecting Women’s Rights and Ensuring Gender Equality

De Jure ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Valcheva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Women's Rights ◽  
International Community ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Women’S Rights ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Eu

In recent decades, the international community and the European Union have paid increasing attention to ensuring a sufficiently good level of protection of women’s rights. To achieve this level, international and European bodies and institutions should draw up and adopt various acts and instruments aimed at ensuring the fundamental principle of gender equality. For example, in European Union law, the principle of equality between men and women is reflected in Articles 2 and 3 (3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). These provisions explicitly state that the EU is based on certain values, including equality, and specifically promote equality between men and women. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) also provides for a separate provision which entrusts the Community with the task, in all its activities, of striving to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality between men and women (Article 8 of the TFEU). Next, Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits all forms of discrimination, including on the grounds of sex. In addition to the provisions of primary law, the EU seeks to ensure the principle under analysis by adopting strategies and programs of different scope and content. The Member States of the European Union, including the Republic of Bulgaria, also actively promote respect for the principle of gender equality. Explicit guarantees for its provision are contained in the legislation of the Member States, including at the constitutional level. Despite the measures taken on a global, European and national scale, the unequal treatment of women around the world persists. Most often, differences in the treatment of men and women are observed in the social sphere, employment and pay, healthcare, access to education, political, economic and social activities. The existence of these differences leads to the conclusion that it is necessary for the international community, the European Union and its Member States to adopt and implement even more targeted actions, policies and measures to ensure adequate protection of women’s rights.

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