Brussels, 1 September 2021
The Committee of Foreign Affairs has voted today on an opinion welcoming the new Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Action 2021–2025 (GAP III). Željana Zovko, EPP shadow rapporteur for the opinion stressed that many challenges remain unresolved in order to achieve equality between men and women. “With the Gender Action Plan, the EU sets out clear objectives to ensure more equality within its own services and delegations abroad and to promote the same standards in its partner countries,” Zovko said.
The opinion calls to identify and tackle structural root causes for inequalities in order to overcome those and to allow for meaningful participation and inclusion of men and women. “We need actions to guarantee inclusive education at all levels as it serves as basis for achieving gender equality and economic emancipation.”, Zovko stated. Furthermore, Zovko managed to include language calling for the promotion of women’s role in politics, conflict areas and cultural heritage.