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Vol. 1985/0 116 
  
 
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Conformém ent au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983 
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique 
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983, 
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003 
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents 
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit 
règlem ent. 
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983 
concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Econom ic 
Communit y and the European Atom ic Energy Communit y (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as 
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243, 
27.9.2003, p. 1), t his file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this 
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.  
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom  1. 
Februa r 1983 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen  
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgem einschaft (ABI. L 43 vom  15.2.1983,  
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. Septem ber 2003  
(ABI. L 243 v om 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit  
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5  
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.  
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
C0HÎ85) 256 final
Brussels, 30 May 1985
C O M M U N IC A T IO N  F R O M  THE COMMISSI« TO THE COUNCIL
on th e Community p a r tic ip a tio n  in the World Conference to Review and 
A ppraise th e Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: 
E q u a lity , Development and Peace
C 0 M C 8 5 )  2 5 6  final

C O M M U N I C A T I O N  F R O M  T H E  C O M M I S S I O N  T O  T H E  C O U N C I L
o n  the C o m m u n ity  participation in  the W o rld  C onference to 
R e v ie w  a n d  A ppraise the A ch iev em en ts o f the U nited N ations 
D e c a d e  for W o m e n :  Equality, D e v e lo p m e n t a n d  Peace.
1  .  I N T R O D U C T I O N  A N D  B A C K G R O U N D
1 .1  1 9 7 5  w a s  proclaim ed International W o m e n 's  Y e a r b y  the U nited N ations.
T h e  n u m ero u s activities surrounding this event culm inated in a  W o rld  
C onference in  M e x ic o  'C ity  w h e re  a  W o rld  P lan o f A ction for the Im ple- 
m entation o f the Objectives o f International W o m e n 's  Y e a r w a s  adopted.
A  central point o f this P lan w a s  the proclam ation p f the years 1 9 7 6  to 
1 9 8 5  as the U nited N ations D e c a d e  for W o m e n .y
1.2 T h e  already approved th em es o f the D ecad e, equality, developm ent a n d  
peace, w e re  further enlarged w h e n  the U N  G eneral A sse m b ly  in  1 9 7 9  
adopted three sub-thpm es/e m Pl°ym e n 1 · /  health a n d  education. O n  this 
basis, the M id -O e c a d e  C onference, held in  C o p e n h a g e n  in 1 9 8 0 , adopted
a  P ro g ra m m e  of A ction for the S e c o n d  H alf o f the U nited N ations D e c a d e
for W o m e n .
1.3 T h e  W o rld  C onference closing the D ecade-w ill b e  held in N airobi fro m
^  to 2 6  July 1  2 9 8 5 . In  order to obtain a  general m andate for the 
C o m m u n ity  contribution to the C onference a n d  the U N  preparatory process, 
beginning in 1 9 8 3 , the C o m m issio n  in  1 9 8 2  prepared a  C o m m u n icatio n  (1)  
w h ic h  w a s  approved b y  the C o u n cil (2), outlining the principle a n d  
procedure o f the proposed participation, as w ell as the contents o f the 
position to b e  adopted b y  the C o m m u n ity . .
(1 ) C O M  (8 2 ) 7 9 6  final
(2 ) D o c u m e n t 4 6 6 -» /8 3  8Q C .  3 5
T e lg g r e p h lc  a d d r e s s :
- e “ exc,an9e: 2351111 COMEU B 21877 COMEUR B u ^ ala
f M O - f v  C ' r u s s e l s  * '  '  ·  *  ·  *

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1.4 A ' .  U nited M ations L evel, the W o rld  C onference is being prepared 
b y  the C o m m issio n  o n  the Status o f W o m e n  w h ic h  held three special 
preparatory sessions during the spring of 1 983, 1 9 3 4  a n d  1 9 8 5 , respec­
tively. A t  regional level, the E c o n o m ic  C o m m issio n  ior E u ro p e held 
its o w n  preparatory S em in ar in  O ctober 1 9 8 4 .
F o r all these meetings, C o m m u n ity  statements w e re  drafted b y  the 
C o m m issio n  Services a n d  adopted b y  C O R E P E R . T h ese statements w e re  
delivered b y  the H e a d  o f the Presidency delegation, the C o m m issio n  
delegate, w h e re  aporopriate, adding a  further statem ent p n  behalf of the 
C o m m u n ity  under another ag en d a item .
C o m m u n ity  co-ordination m eetings h av e regularly taken place through­
o u t the preparatory process.
A part fro m  organising various preparatory meetings, the U N  Secretariat 
also sent a  m ajo r questionnaire to all its M e m b e r  State G overnm ents, 
the replies to w h ic h  will help th e m  prepare the basic docum entation 
for the W o rld  C onference. T h e  C o m m u n ity  itself h as replied to those 
parts o f the questionnaire falling within its com petence.
2 . P R I N C I P L E  A N D  P R O C E D U R E  O F  C O M M U N I T Y  P A R T I C I P A T I O N
O n  2 1  February * 9 8 Z ,  the C ouncil took the following decision (1), 
based o n  the C om m ission's ab o v e m entioned C o m m u n icatio n  o n  the W o rld  
C onference:
1 . T h e  C o m m u n ity  will participate as su ch  in the C onference.
2 . .  Prior co-ordination in order to define a  C o m m u n ity  position 
will b e  ensured for subjects within C o m m u n ity  com petence or of 
C o m m u n ity  interest.
3 . T h e  C o m m u n ity  oositions will b e  subm itted in accordance w ith the 
rules adopted a n d  already approved b y  the P erm an en t Representatives 
C o m m ittee (2 ) for C o m m u n ity  participation in  proceedings at the 
U nited Nations, w h ere the C o m m u n ity  h as observer status. T h ese rules 
are annexed hereto, th o u g h  it is pointed out that their practical 
application will b e  decided during on-the-spot co-ordination. *  2
C) D o c u m e n t 4664/83 S O C .  3 5
(2 ) S e e  8 7 5 7 /8 G  R elex  34, A n n e x  I  of w h ic h  com prises d o cu m en t I/^1 9 /74 
also annexed hereto.

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4..T h e  rules o n  C o m m u n ity  participation will apply throughout the 
C onference a n d  its'preparatory discussions, a n d  will concern the 
official debates a n d · discussions an d  inform al w ork in g  parties 
.a n d  negotiations."
T his decision retains b oth its justification a n d  validity. It m a y  b e  noted 
in particular that both the E u ro p ean  Parliam ent (1 ) a n d  the A dvisory 
C o m m ittee o n  E q u al Opportunities for W o m e n  a n d  M e n  (2 ) h av e stressed the 
im portance o f effective C o m m u n ity  co-ordination at the C onference.
3. C O N T E N T S  O F  T H E  C O M M U N I T Y  P O S IT IO N
D ebates in  the W o rld  C onference will take place in  a  plenary session 
an d  tw o  w ork in g  parties. T h e  tw o  m a in  ag en d a item s (review  a n d  appraisal/ 
forward-looking strategies) will b e  shared o u t as follow s b etw een  these 
fora:
- the plenary session will deal w ith all ag en d a item s, a n d  in  
particular w ith the rev iew  a n d  appraisal o f progress achieved 
a n d  obstacles encountered in attaining the goals a n d  objectives 
o f the D e c a d e ;
- the w ork in g  parties will discuss forw ard-looking strategies a im e d  
at the year 2000 , o n e  at national level a n d  the other at regional 
an d  international levels.
3 .1  R ev i§ w _ an d _ ag p ra i _ s a  l_of_grogress_ach 2eved_and_obstac_les_encountered 
i _ n  attaining the_goa l  s_and_ob|ec tjyes_of _  t h  e _ U n _ i  t e d _ N a t i  o n s_  D e c a d e  
for W o m e n
3.1.1 T h e  C om m unity's policy to bring about e m p lo y m e n t egualUy for w o m e n  a n d  
m e n , h as b een  revolutionised during the U nited N ations D e c a d e  for W o m e n .
In  1975, at the outset, su c h  a  policy w a s  only in the early stages o f 
its conception, a n d  the C o m m u n ity 's legislative bas is w a s  confined to  
Article 1 1 9  o f the E E C  Treaty w h ic h  h a d  then b een tested only o n ce in the 
C o u rt o f Justice: the first equal p a y  case (D efrenne) w a s  decided
in 1 9 7 1 .
3.1.2 1 9 7 5  itself s a w  the adoption o f the equal p a y  directive (Directive
75/117/E tC ) ( / T )  t w h ic h  w a s  rapidly follow ed b y  directives o n  equal treatm ent" 
at w o rk  (Directive 7 6 /2 G 7 /E E C ) (i) a n d  equal treatment as regards 
statutory social security 1
(i> O.J. C . - 1  27, 14.5 .  - 1  934,. p. 76
(2. 1 In  its o o  i  n i o n  n - r ·  7 / m o/■  J  3 -'..> .1 9 8 4 , d o c u m e n t n o . 4 2
0  -  2  . .  L .  45, 19.2.1975, p . 1 9
1 4.*.19,’ 6, p.  4 0 (4)  0,j .  l

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sc h e m e s (Directive 7 9 /7 /E E C ) (1). T h ese directives h av e m ean w h ile 
b e c o m e  pant o f the national la w  of the M e m b e r  States, w h ere they 
h av e also served as a  stimulus for further action o n  behalf of w o m e n .
3.1.3 In  ' ’9 8 '1  2  3  4 , the C o m m issio n  subm itted :o  the C ouncil a  N e w  C o m m u n ity  A ction
P ro g ra m m e  o n  the P rom otion o f E q u al Opportunitiesfo ; W o m e n (1982-1985)(2) w h ic h  
besides the c o m m itm e n t to m onitor a n d  extend legislation, also contained 
a  broad range o f positive actions to enable w o m e n  to achieve equal 
ooportun’ties in  practice. T h e  C ouncil approved the general objectives 
o *  the A ction Pro g ram m ein  its Resolution o f 1 2  July 1 9 8 2  (3) in w h ic h  
it also undertook to im p lem en t appropriate m easures to attain these 
objectives.
T h e  A ction P ro g ra m m e  has n o w  reached the final year of its application.
A s  Dart o f - its  contribution to the forthcom ing W o rld  C onference, the 
C o m m issio n  will b e  preparing the report o n  the im plem entation of this 
P ro g ra m m e  in  tim e for July 1 9 8 5 .
3.1.A  T h e  A ction P ro g ra m m e  h as given rise to a  series of C o m m u n ity  efforts o n  
behalf o f w o m e n . rirst o f all, it proved necessary to safeguard 
w h a t h a d  already b een  achieved b y  ensuring the correct application of the 
three directives. T his w a s  d o n e, b y  the C o m m issio n  as guardian cf the 
Treaties, m o reo v er w ith a  v iew  to obtaining m o re  information o n  the im ple­
m entation in practice of the three existina directives./
thp C o m m issio n  set up a  contacts netw ork
serving as a  fo ru m  for exchanges of information an d  for consultation o n  
the application o ^  the existing directives. T h e  C o m m issio n  also carried 
out a  com parative analysis of the m ech an ism s a n d  frequency o f use of legal 
redress arrangem ents provided for· under the legislation im plem enting the 
three directives, w ith a  v iew  to encouraging workers, if necessary, to 
avail them selves as fully as possible of their rights.
3.1.5  T hree n e w  legal instruments h av e b een subm itted b y  the C o m m issio n  to the 
C ouncil:
- a  proposal for a  directive aim ed  at equal treatment in occupational 
social security sch em es (4 ) ;
(1 ) O .J.i, 6, 1 0 .1  .1979, p. 2 4 ' · '
(2 ) C O M  ( S '1 )  7 5 8  final
(3 ) '  O .J .r 186, 2 1 .7.1983, P -  3
(4 ) O .J .r ^  34, 2' .5.1983, p . 7

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a  proposal for a  directive o n  parental leave a n d  leave for 
fam ily reasons O), a n d
- a  proposal for a  directive applying the principle of equal 
treatment to w o m e n  in self-em ployed occupations, including 
agriculture ( 2)  .
T h e  C o m m issio n  has, m oreover, b een  studying in c o m e  tax system s w h ic h  
appear to h av e a n  indirect adverse effect o n  w o m e n 's em p lo y m en t, their 
right to w o rk  a n d  their prom otion in  em ploym ent,and subm itted a  m e m o ­
ra n d u m  (3 ) to the C ouncil^ e m b o d y in g  its principal conclusions.
3.1.6. In  the area of social security, the C o m m issio n  h as b een  studying
allowances an d  benefits n o t covered b y  Directive 79/7/E E C , w ith the 
intention o f proposing a  further directive progressively providing 
both w o m e n  a n d  m e n  w ith their o w n  social security rights.
3.1.7 In addition to its efforts at the legal a n d  legislative levels, the
C o m m u n ity  has b een active in  prom oting positive m easures to eliminate 
inequality in practice. T h u s, the C ouncil has adopted a  reco m m en d atio n  
o n  positive action for w o m e n  (4 ) w h ic h  sets a  broad fram ew o rk  for 
m easures to b e  taken and/or pro m o ted  b y  M e m b e r  States in  order to aid 
the ad vancem ent of w o m e n .
T h e  C o m m issio n  is
currently draw ing u p  a  c o d e  o f practice o n  positive actions for w o m e n  
in e m p lo y m e n t w h ic h  could serve as a  useful guide for em ployers or 
em ployees anxious to lau n ch  a‘ p ro g ra m m e  of this kind. 1  2  3  4
.  / ...
(1 ) O .J.C  333, 9.12.1983, p.  6
(2 ) O .J.C  1 1 3 , 27.4.1 9 S 4  ' p.  4
(3 ) C O M  (8 4 ) 6 9 5 final
(4 ) O .J.L 331, 19.12.1984, p . 3 4

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3.1.8 T h e  C o m m issio n  attempts to prom ote the desegregation of e m p lo y m e n t and, 
thus, to bring about a  m o re  balanced représentâtio n  of both w o m e n  a n d  
m e n  in all sectors a n d  occupations a n d  at all levels of the occupational 
hierarchy. T his h as b een  d o n e b y  research-based action projects, launched 
initially in 1 9 7 8  in the banking sector a n d  m ean w h ile ex p an d ed  into the 
broadcasting organisations and, m o st recently, into m anufacturing 
industry. In  order to enable w o m e n  to take o n  the m a n a g e m e n t of their 
o w n  business affairs, the C o m m issio n  h as also aided the launching o f 
w o m e n 's co-operatives, particularly in  n o n  traditional sectors. It h as 
encouraged the public service to set a  g o o d  ex am p le in term s o f positive 
action , a n d  is assem bling data o n  w o m e n  in high-level positions in the 
m ajor public sectors (including the C o m m issio n  itself).
T h e  C o m m issio n  believes that it is vital for w o m e n  to rise to positions o f 
influence an d  responsibility in econom ic, social an d  political life, w h e re  
their presence m a y  b e  felt w h e n  it c o m e s  to taking the necessary decisions 
for the future. 3
3 . 1.9. T h e  advent, developm ent a n d  spread o f n e w  technologies is proving
to b e  o n e  o f the greatest challenges' to the future e m p lo y m en t of w o m e n , 
a n d  the contents of their jobs. W o m e n  m o re  often lack the necessary 
training in  the n e w  technologies a n d  are not encouraged to acquire it, 
d u e  to the persisting preconceived notions about their role in society. 
T h e y  also generally hold jobs m o re  likely to b e ch an g ed  or ev en  to dis­
appear completely, once n e w  technologies are introduced in the w o rk  place. 
T h e  challenge o f n e w  technologies could, how ever, also lead to the 
opening o f n e w  opportunities for w o m e n , a n d  to th e' b reak d o w n  o f the 
traditional divide betw een m en's a n d  w o m e n 's jobs. It is the C om m ission's 
v iew  that all concerned should b e  encouraged to concentrate their 
efforts in this, m o re  positive, direction, it therefore com m issioned a  
n u m b e r o f studies concerned w ith various aspects of the im p act o f n e w  
technologies o n  w o m e n 's jobs, as w ell as organising or supporting 
sem inars a n d  other m eetings o n  this subject. T h ro u g h  the E u ro p ean  Social 
F u n d , it is subsidising the training of w o m e n  for occupations using the 
n e w  technologies, w h ich  could lead th e m  to i  nt erest i  ng‘ .a n d  rew arding 
em p lo y m en t. It also aids the creation of w o m en 's co-operatives in this 
sector.

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3.1.10.in order to acquire the necessary detailed k n o w led g e o n  the position 
of w o m e n  in the labour m arket, a n d  to collect the relevant data, the 
C o m m issio n  h as created a  C om m unity-level expert g ro u p  w ork in g  in  
close co-operation w ith  E U R O S T A T .  T his g ro u p  regularly updates the 
statistics, o n ce assem bled, a n d  will b e  available for m o re  detailed 
future analysis o f certain areas posing particular problem s to w o m e n  
in em p lo y m en t. >
E U R O S T A T  itself already com piles a  considerable n u m b e r o f statistical 
series, broken d o w n  b y  sex, particularly in the fields o f d e m o g ra p h y  
a n d  the labour m ark et (e m p lo y m e n t a n d  unem ploym ent). In  addition to 
this, the C o m m issio n  h as fo u n d  it useful to conduct a  n u m b e r o f surveys 
o n  specific aspects n o t yet covered b y  statistics (perceptions o f dis- 
crimination at w o rk , attitudes to n e w  technologies or the risk o f 
u n em p lo y m en t; the occupational situation o f self-em ployed w o m e n ).
3.1.11u T h e  C o m m issio n  is concerned about the dual disadvantage faced b y  fem ale 
im m igrants, in that they are both w o m e n  a n d  im m igrants, a n d  thus often 
dependent o n  rights derived indirectly through their husbands under 
the national legislation o f the host countries. It has studied the legal 
a n d  administrative discriminations facing im m ig ran t w o m e n  a n d  c o m m is­
sioned a  study o n  their specific training needs, w ith a  v ie w  to taking further 
action o n  their behalf during the five years to b e  covered b y  the next 
A ction P ro g ra m m e .
3.1.12.S ince equality begins at h o m e , the C o m m issio n  is also striving to enable 
both m e n  a n d  w o m e n  to find fulfilment in  a n d  c o m b in e  satisfactorily 
their careers, their fam ily a n d  their social life. A p art fro m  
com m issioning a  report o n  the subject, it h as pursued this objective 
b y  proposing the ab o v e m e n tio n e d  directive o n  parental leave w h ic h  w o u ld  
give each  parent the right to take at least three m o n th s off w o rk  in  
order to lo o k  after a n  infant in  the h o m e . It h as ✓ ' furtherm o re, b een  
studying the availability o f child-care facilities for w ork in g  parents 
in the C o m m u n ity  a n d  stimulated interest in, a n d  discussion of, the 
subject b y  m e a n s  o f a  C o m m u n ity -w id e  S em inar.
3.1.13 Finally, the C o m m issio n  h as b een  w o rk in g  to increase the aw areness o f the 
general public o f the positive aspects o f the ch ange in attitudes n o w  
taking place. In  this context,it h as carried out a  thorough analysis 
o f the im a g e  o f w o m e n  o n  television, w h ic h  will lead to recom m endations
for changes to b e  m a d e . ./...
4

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3.1.14. T h e  D e c a d e  h as seen a  considerable increase in  the participation of w o m e n  
in the labour m arket: the proportion of econom ically active w o m e n  in the 
fem ale population of 1 5  to 6 4  years in the E u ro p ean  C o m m u n ity  rose 
fro m  4 6 .8 %  in 1 9 7 5  to 5 0 -2 %  in 1 9 8 3 , w hereas over the s a m e  period the 
activity rate o f m e n  o n  this basis fell fro m  86.8%  ~ o  8 2 .4 % .
T h e  m o re  recent deterioration in the general e c o n o m i situation 
h as in  its turn caused w o m e n  to b e  affected particularly severely since 
they still tend to suffer fro m  a  n u m b e r of disadvantages o n  the labour 
m arket a n d  in term s of their qualifications. In  Ju n e 1 9 8 4 , the C ouncil 
therefore adopted a  Resolution o n  action to c o m b a t u n e m p lo y m en t a m o n g  
w o m e n  ( 1); this recognises the equal right of m e n  an d  w o m e n  to w o rk  and, 
b y  the s a m e  token,to acquire a  personal in c o m e  o n  equal term s a n d  condi­
tions w ith m e n , regardless of the eco n o m ic situation.
3.1.15. T h e  C o m m u n ity  has, m oreover, adopted resolutions under a  n u m b e r
o f broader headings w hich, nevertheless, provide specifically for the 
introduction o f m easures designed to help w o m e n . T h ese concern vocational 
training policies in the E u ro p ean  C o m m u n ity  in the 19805  (2), the 
prom otion o f e m p lo y m en t for y o u n g  people (3), vocational training 
m easures relating to n e w  information technologies ( 4), a n d  m easures 
relating to the introduction of n e w  information technologies in the field 
o f education (5). A nother resolution is concerned w ith the contribution 
of local e m p lo y m en t initiatives to com bating u n e m p lo y m en t ( 6).
3.1.16. T h e  E uropean Social F u n d  is the financial instrum ent used b y  the C o m m u n ity  
to put its e m p lo y m en t policies into practice. Follow ing the recent 
revision of the Fund's operations, resources are n o w  .concent rated o n
> o u n g  people under the ag e of 25, an d  in favour of e m p lo y m en t in the dis­
advantaged regions. T h e  prom otion o f equal opportunities for w o m e n  in  
particular through the diversification of job opportunities, is o n e  o f 
the priority areas for the F u n d .
3.1.17. A s  regards the second m ajor th em e of the W o m e n 's  D ecad e, developm ent, 
the C o m m u n ity  h as also m a d e  considerable strides forw ard, during the 
past ten years, in integrating w o m e n  into its developm ent policy. T h e  
fact that these efforts bore tangible fruit only at a  relatively late 
stage in  the D ecad e, m u st b e  linked w ith the history o f the C o m m u n ity 's 
developm ent policy as a  w h o le w hich, w ith the signing of the first L o m é  
C onvention in 1 2  3  4  5  69 7 '4 , em b ark ed  o n  a  com pletely n e w  p h ase: -th e  very year (1 9 7 5 ) 
that the U N  D e c a d e  for W o m e n  began.
'  (D 0.J . C 161, 2 1  .6.1984, p. 4
(2 ) O .J. C l  9 3 , 20.7.1983, o . 2
(3 ) r '.J. C  2 9 , 4.2.1984, p '.  1
(4 ) O .J. C 1 o 6, 25.6.1933, p. 1
(5 ) O .J. C 2 5 6 , 24.9.1983, p. 1
(6)  O.J .  c-/ · '’, 2 1 .6.1984 , p. 1

- 9 -
3.1.18.In  N o v e m b e r 1 9 8 2 , the C o m m u n ity  adopted conclusions (1 ) stressing 
the im portant role that w o m e n  m u st play in the developm ent process.
T h e  text adopted h as the follow ing principal objectives:
to recognise w o m e n  as im portant factors in  the developm ent 
process a n d  to allow  th e m  to play their full part in it;
to allow  w o m e n  to find their rightful place in  society, 
b y  im proving their e c o n o m ic  a n d  social status, without, h o w ev er, 
im posing unsuitable m o d els o n  th e m  fro m  outside.
T h e  i m p  lementat 1 o n  o f these objectives m u st g o  h a n d  in  h a n d  w ith a  n u m b e r 
o f operational m easures. T hus, system atic sociological studies should 
b e  carried o u t prior to the im plem entation o f projects a n d  p ro g ram m es, 
so  as to av o ^d  negative effects for w o m e n , particularly in  rural areas.
A n y  possible negative consequences o f technological a n d  e c o n o m ic  m o d ern ­
isation in particular, should b e  avoided.
Consideration should,, secondly, b e  given within each  project to the 
fem ale population affected b y  it, particularly as regards the priority 
areas for w o m e n : education/training , em p lo y m en t/in c o m e  creation,
health, appropriate technologies.
Thirdly, contacts should b e  established w ith w o m e n 's organisations in  
the developing countries, s o  that these m a y  participate, through the 
involvem ent o f local com m unities, in  the developm ent of their countries.
T h e  C o m m u n ity  regards it as im portant to k n o w  about the fundam ental 
needs a n d  priority objectives o f these associations.
3.1.19.In  1 984, the C o m m issio n  held tw o  sem inars o n  the participation of rural w o ­
m e n  in developm ent. T h e  first o f these, w h ic h  took place in L o m é , w a s  atten­
d e d  b y  représentât!v es fro m  B enin, U p p e r Volta, M ali, N iger, the Ivory C o ast 
a n d  T o g o , all of w h o m  h a d  direct experience in rural developm ent. T h e  second, 
held in Nairob^ brought together representatives fro m  Ethiopia, M alaw i, K e n y a , 
Tanzania, Z am b ia, U g a n d a  a n d  Z im b a b w e .
B o th  sem inars defined priorities o n  the participation of rural w o m e n  of these 
areas in the d e v e lO D m e n t process. T h e y  w e re  regarded as extrem ely valuable 
b y  the C o m m issio n  w h ic h  intends to m a k e  g o o d  use of their results b y  taking 
m o re  account of the practical im p act of developm ent projects o n  w o m e n  in the 
countries concerned, in particular in rural areas, a n d  b y  enabling th e m  to 
participate m o ^ e  effectively in draw ing u p  su ch  projects, carrying th e m  out 
a n d  follow ino u o  th e^ 'r o u tco m e.
(1) Document 10546/'!/".?  Oev. 1  Devgen 73 ./.

- 10 -
3.1.20. T h e  Third L o m é  C onvention, signed o n  8 D e c e m b e r 1 9 8 4 , constitutes
a  m aior steo forw ard lor fie integration o f w o m e n  into the developm ent
co-operation policy of the E uropean C o m m u n ity . T his C onvention, 
for the first time, includes a  Title h ead ed  ''Cultural a n d  
Social Co-ooeration" w ith a n  Article devoted exclusively to w o m e n .
T his Article 1 2 3  states :
- firstly, that co-operation shall support the A C P  States' ■  
efforts aim ed  at enhancing the w o rk  of w o m e n , im proving their 
living conditions, expanding their role a n d  prom oting their 
status in the production a n d  developm ent process;
- secondly, that particular attention shall b e  given to access
b y  w o m e n  to all aspects of training, to m o re  advanced technology, 
to credit an d  to co-operative organisations, a n d  to appropriate 
technology aim ed  at alleviating the arduous nature of their 
tasks.
Article 1 2 3  form s a  secure basis for th e. practicaL efforts w h ic h  
the C o m m u n ity  intends to undertake for w o m e n  in the future 
pursuit of its developm ent policies.
m  /  m  m  m
I

- 11 -
3.1.21. T u rning to the sub-them es of the D ecad e, the first and,
in  the ey es o f the E u ro p ean  C o m m u n ity , m o s t im portant one, 
e m g _ L o ^ m e n t, h as already b een  a m p ly  covered ab o v e under the 
heading o f equality.
3.1.22. A s  regards health, the C o m m u n ity  gives h ig h  priority to protecting 
the health a n d  safety o f w orkers, w hile striving also to safeguard 
the principle o f equal treatment for m e n  a n d  w o m e n  in em p lo y m en t.
T his leads it to undertake considerable research a n d  other efforts
to im p ro v e the protection o f all w orkers, w hether they b e  m e n  or w o m e n , 
w hile sim ultaneously seeking the abolition o f la w s  excluding w o m e n  
alone fro m  certain types o f em p lo y m en t, prom otion, etc., " w h e n  the 
concern for protection w h ic h  originally inspired th em , is n o  longer 
w ell-founded" (Directive 76/207/E E C ).
3.1.23. H e a  Ith protection for w o m e n  also includes adequate provision being 
m a d e  for pregnancy a n d  maternity. T h e  C o m m issio n  h as carried o u t a  
com parative study o n  the relevant legislation o f the M e m b e r  States .  
w ith a  v ie w  to identifying the m o st appropriate protective provisions 
for m otherhood.
It h as further proposed, in  its draft Directive o n  the application 
o f the principle o f equal treatment as b etw een  m e n  a n d  w o m e n  en g ag ed  
in  a n  activity, including agriculture, in  a  self-em ployed capacity, 
a n d  o n  the protection o f self-em ployed w o m e n  during pregnancy a n d  
m o th erh o o d  ( 1), that w o m e n  w o rk in g  in  su c h  occupations should b e  
entitled either to financial com pensation for forgone incom e, or 
to the help o f a  relief w o rk er during a  period of maternity leave, 
s o  as to afford to th e m  the s a m e  maternity protection w h ic h  is 
already available to w orkers in  other sectors.
3.1.24. T h e  C o m m issio n  believes that education in general a n d  guidance 
(tow ards certain subjects a n d  careers) in  particular has significant 
implications for girls a n d  b o y s a n d  their later adult lives a n d  
careers. E ducation m a y  inculcate gender-based stereotypes '  into 
y o u n g  persons, but it c a n  also lead th e m  tow ards attitudes free
o f su c h  b -ia s  at ,  a  tim e w h e n  their adult w orkipg lives are still 
in front o f th em . 1
(1 ) O .J. C  1 1 3 , 27.4.1984, p. 4
1

- 12 -
3.1.25. In  order to foster this m o re  positive approach, a n  experim ental 
information netw ork o n  equal opportunities in  career choices h as 
b een  set u p  at C o m m u n ity  level
in  order to prepare y o u n g  w o m e n  for w orking life. T his netw ork, 
provided for under the N e w  C o m m u n ity  A ction P ro g ra m m e  o n  the P rom otion 
o f E q u al Opportunities for W o m e n  (1982-1985), h as the dual task of/ 
firstly, stimulating national integrated education a n d  training 
p ro g ram m es w ith the objective o f diversifying w o m e n 's e m p lo y m e n t 
a n d  their occupational choices and, secondly, disseminating infor­
m ation o n  actions developed to this e n d  in the M e m b e r  States.
3.1.26. In  N o v e m b e r 1984, a  high-level conference at C o m m u n ity  level 
brought together, for the first time, representatives o f the 
education authorities a n d  the equal opportunities bodies of the 
M e m b e r  States. T h e  C onference agreed that n e w  positive actions for 
equality in education should b e  launched throughout the C o m m u n ity .
T h e  C o m m issio n  is therefore preparing a n  extensive p ro g ra m m e  for 
adoption b y  the C ouncil in June 1 9 8 5 , w h ic h  contains the following 
elem ents :
- active co-education as w ell as m o re  ev en  distribution of m e n  a n d  
w o m e n  at all levels of the teaching profession/
- teacher training to include equal opportunities matters/
- increasing the aw areness o f pupils, parents a n d  teachers;·
- m easures to encourage greater diversification of occupation al 
choices ;
- elimination o f sex  stereotypes fro m  all teaching materials;
- specific action to help girls experiencing particular difficulties, 
su c h  as the daughters of m igrant w orkers a n d  girls requiring 
particular attention to increase their motivation to learn, a n d
- evaluation of experiences gained.
3.1.27. In  order to facilitate the transition of y o u n g  people fro m  education 
to adult a n d  w orking life, the C o m m issio n  launched/in 1 9 8 3 , a  seco n d  
p ro g ra m m e  o f pilot projects seeking to enable 1 4  to 1 9  year olds to 
face the challenges a n d  uncertainties o f the present day. T hroughout 
the p ro g ram m e, equal opportunities for girls a n d  b o y s are being 
prom oted, particularly s o  as to allow  bdth to avail them selves o f 
the full spread of possible career choices.

- 13-
3·2 E°cya rd-Looki_ng_st rategi_es_aj_med_at_the_^ea r 2000
3.2.1 T h e  E u ro p ean  C o m m u n ity  h as w e lc o m e d  the International W o m e n 's  D e c a d e, 
since this h as n o t only stimulated its o w n  activities for w o m e n , 
but also integrated these into a  broader international fram ew o rk , 
itself stimulated b y  the U nited Nations, within w h ic h  inform ation 
a n d  experiences m a y  b e  ex ch an g ed  a n d  joint actions carried out.
T h e  D e c a d e  h as b een  a  successful venture, serving to considerably 
im p r-o v e  the situation o f w o m e n  throughout the w orld, although co n ­
tinuing efforts will b e  required for the full attainment o f the goals 
set d o w n  in  the W o rld  P lan o f A ction.
T urning to the future, the achievem entsof the past ten years m u st n o t 
only b e  safeguarded a n d  reinforced, but further developed a n d  broadened.
O n e  option for pursuing this aim , is the launching o f a  further w o m e n 's  
decade. T h e  C o m m issio n  is n o t inclined to support this proposal, w h ic h  
w o u ld  im p ly  considerable m achinery (m eetings, w o rld  conferences, 
publicity, etc.) a n d  expense for future years.
T h e  C o m m issio n , together w ith  m a n y  U N  m e m b e r states,favours a  m o re  
flexible aporoach, i.e. to set a  target date su c h  as the year 2000 
as the date b y  w h ic h  governm ents will strive to h av e m a d e  further 
significant progress in  im plem enting the goals laid d o w n  for 
the D e c a d e  a n d  at its final W o rld  C onference. S u c h  a n  approach w o u ld  
preserve the m o m e n tu m , n o w  established, tow ards further positive 
ch an g e throughout the countries o f th e  w orld. T h e  guiding th em es could 
rem ain  those currently valid, w ith the C o m m u n ity  stressing its 
particular attachm ent to the three sub-them es of em p lo y m en t, health 
a n d  education, as w ell as the principal th em es of equality a n d  
developm ent.
3.2.2 A s  for its o w n  contribution to the forward-looking strategies to b e  
pursued during the c o m in g  years, the first of these will develop 
logically fro m  the C o m m u n ity 's input into the W o rld  C onference (theireport o n  the im plem entation o f the A ction P ro g ra m m e ) as w ell as 
the o u tco m e o f the said C onference .  T h e  C o m m issio n  intends to draft 
a  p ro g ra m m e  o f action for the ad v an cem en t of w o m d n  during the five 
years in  the im m ed iate future, i.e. 1 9 8 6  to 1 9 9 0 . T his p ro g ra m m e  
will contain those aspects o f C o m m u n ity  policy in  n eed  of reinforce­
m ent, further developm ent or expansion. After five years, a  rev iew  
should follow, L ea d in g  in  turn to furtner policy decisions or 
adaptations as required.

- 14 -
3.2.3. It is the C om m ission's belief that the U nited N ations should strive, during 
the period u p  to the year 2000 , a n d  m o re  particularly during the second 
half of the 1980s, not only to continue a n d  reinforce efforts already un-;  
d erw ay  as regards the prom otion o f ejiu_a_lJ_ty.  b y  m e a n s  of legislation a n d  
concrete actions, but also to develop appropriate n e w  politics in these
areas.
3.2.4. Legislation adopted during the D e c a d e  m u st b e  strengthened a n d  reliably 
applied. T his involves in  particular appropriate m e a n s  of m onitoring 
(w ith the help of com m ittees, w o rk  inspectors, g o v ern m en t officia Is,etc} 
information a n d  aw areness cam p aig n s directed at the parties concerned, 
a n d  im p ro v ed  channels o f appealfonsideration should b e  given to the 
possible merits of a  reversal o f the burden o f proof for w orkers 
w ishing to assert their right to equal treatment under existing 
legislation.
3.2.5. Additional legislative m easures should b e  envisaged to deal w ith k e y  
problem s not yet resolved. T h e  C o m m u n ity  could m a k e  a  contribution 
here b y  adopting the proposals o n  parental leave a n d  leave for
fam ily reasons, equal treatment for the self-employed, including farmers, 
a n d  occupational social security schem es, currently under discussion.
It will also-'be considering the future o f protective legislation a n d  
equality in connection w ith in co m e  taxation.
3.2.6. Further im provem ents m u st b e  brought about in the availability of 
data - qualitative a n d  quantitative, at national a n d  international 
levels - o n  w o m en 's w orking lives. T his will provide a n  increasingly 
reliable foundation for further positive actions in  various sectors 
of the e c o n o m y .
3.2.7. T h e  desegregation o f m e n  an d  w o m e n  in the w orkplace will n eed  further 
encouragem ent; actions to achieve a  m o re  balanced representation o f 
both w o m e n  a n d  m e n  in all sectors an d  at all levels o f the enterprise, 
should b e  broadened to en co m p ass a n  ever increasing ■sh are o f the 
e c o n o m y . T h e  creation o f w o m e n 's co-operatives a n d  other local e m p lo y m e n t 
initiatives taken b y  w o m e n , merits continued support b y  the authorities 
concerned.

- 15 -
3.2.8. W o m e n  w h o s e  e m p lo y m e n t w a s  b een  s h o w n  during past years to b e  
particularly vulnerable ( w o m e n  w o rk in g  in  large factories or in 
personal or dom estic services, w o m e n  heads o f single parent 
families, im m ig ran t w o m e n )  will require intensified efforts in  term s 
of training and/or positive actions, in order to enable th e m  to  
attain greater security a n d  fulfi Im e n t in  their jobs.
3.2.9. T h e  problem s associated w i  th o u tw o rk  i  ng(  both in the traditional · , 
a n d  n e w  technology areas, should b e  studied a n d  a n y  necessary 
actions o n  behalf o f these w orkers proposed.
3.2.10. T h e  continuing challenge o f n e w  technologies will im p ly  a  oro a d  
range of activities :  information/ the raising of consciousness, 
education, initial a n d  further training, as w ell as m easures to 
encourage w o m e n  to diversify their occupational choices.
3.2. 11.In  order to help w o m e n  a n d  m e n  to im p ro v e the sharing of occupational, 
fam ily a n d  social responsibilities b etw een  th em , m o re  childcare facili­
ties should b e  provided for parents, other
public infrastructures (w o rk in g  hours o f public services, transport 
schedules, shopping hours, etc.) should b e  analysed for their im p act 
o n  w o m e n 's w o rk in g  opportunities. T h e  continuing debate o n  the reduction 
a n d  reorganisation o f w o rk in g  tim e should also p a y  particular attention ·  
to those aspects o f concern to w o m e n , su c h  as flexitime, tim e credits, 
an d  the possibility o f granting extra leave in  return for particularly 
arduous w o rk  (night w o rk , etc.).
3.2.12.A ction will b e  required to re m e d y  the serious problem  o f w o m e n 's 
u n em p lo y m en t a n d  to assure a  better place o n  the labour m arkets o f 
the future for girls still in  full-time education. T h e  C o m m u n ity  will 
b e  putting into effect the C o uncil resolution o n  w o m e n 's u n e m p to y m en t;
this will lead to the establishment o f d p  annual exchange o f 
information o n  m easures taken in the M e m b e r  S tates."· S u c h  m easures 
could include, in  particular, im p ro v ed  guidance of job seekers 
tow ards sectors w ith  en h an ced  e m p lo y m e n t opportunities.
./...

- 16 -
3.2.',3 . In  the developm ent sphere, m u c h  will h av e to b e  d o n e to fully
integrate w o m e n  into the various aspects o f the developm ent effort.
T h e  C o m m u n ity , for its part, will m a k e  g o o d  use of the n e w .  Article 
1 2 3  o f the L o m é  III C onvention w h ic h  should allow  it to provide to 
a  m u c h  greater extent than hitherto for the im portant role played 
b y  w o m e n  in the A C P  countries.
3.2.14. T urning to the sub-them es o f the W o m e n 's  D ecad e, th e C om m ission's
v iew s o n  action to b e  p rom oted in the field o f h as
already b een covered ab o v e under the heading o f equality.
3.2.15. A s  for health, it believes that further action should b e taken to 
bring about the adjustm ent o f su ch  protective legislation that is 
aim ed  only at w o m e n  (see 3.1.22  ab o v e) an d  is n o  longer justified.
Studies o n  the effects of lead, radiation an d  other toxic agents o n  
the reproductive system s of w orkers, w hether m ale or fem ale, should b e  
pursued. R esearch w i  1 1 , m o reo v er, b e  required into n e w  occupational 
diseases or health hazards resulting fro m  the gro w in g  use o f n e w  technolo­
gies a n d  w o rk  processes a n d  the inevitability of further ch ange in these 
areas.
M aternity protection legislation, together w ith that o n  parental 
leave a n d  leave for fam ily reasons, should b e  adjusted in su ch  a  
w a y  that the social function of child-bearing an d  child-rearing 
is recognised.
Studies a n d  sem inars o n  health education, including sex  education, 
should b e  pursued.
3.2.16. W o r k  o n  equality in education m u st b e  continued a n d  intensified w ith 
the objective of eliminating stereotypes in order to give b o y s a n d  
girls real equality o f opportunity a n d  to w id en  the choice of occupation 
for girls. T h e  C o m m u n ity , for its part, has already launched a  n u m b e r
o f actions to pursue during the c o m in g  years, as outlined in 3.'l.2 4  
3.1.27 above.

CONCLUSIONS- 17 -
1 . T h e  position outlined in  C hapter 3  o f this C o m m u n icatio n  will fo rm  the 
basis for a n y  further written or oral contributions to the W o rld  
C onference b y  the C o m m u n ity  o n  matters falling within the C o m m u n ity 's 
co m p eten ce or interests. It will thus fo rm  the foundation for a  
n u m b e r of statements o n  different ag en d a item s to b e  delivered in  
N airobi b y  the C o m m u n ity  spokesperson.
T h e  C om m issioner's speach o n  behalf o f the C o m m u n ity , to b e prepared o n  
this basis b y  the C o m m issio n  Services, will b e  presented to the c o m p e ­
tent C ouncil G ro u p .
T h e  m ain  th em es outlined in this C o m m u n icatio n  will also serve as the 
basis for draft resolutions to b e  subm itted for adoption to the W o rld  
C onference b y  the C o m m u n ity  a n d  its M e m b e r  States. T h e  C o m m u n ity  will 
furthermore h av e to ensure that it is in a  position to m a k e  a  clear 
statement o n  the o u tc o m e  o f the C onference, as w a s  d o n e  in  C o p e n h a g e n  
(1980). T h e  w o rd in g  o f the resolutions a n d  the final statem ent will b e  
prepared in  the C ouncil before the C onference a n d  adopted in  the pro­
cedure o f on-the-spot C o m m u n ity  co-ordination.
,2 . It will b e  im portant for the C o m m u n ity  to focus the Conference's atten­
tion o n  the th e m e  of equality, coupled w ith the sub-them es of em p lo y m en t, 
health a n d  education. T h e  C o m m u n ity  a n d  its M e m b e r  States should strive 
to concentrate the debate o n  issues o f substance relating to the advan­
c e m e n t of w o m e n , w ith a  v ie w  to obtaining positive results.
D iscussion·' o f problem s specific to developing countries is o f great 
im portance a n d  should b e  pursued diligently a n d  thoroughly; the 
C o m m u n ity  can  m a k e  a  valuable contribution here. Equality in e m p lo y m e n t 
should nevertheless b e  a  priority matter for the C o m m u n ity  w h ic h  h as 
already m a d e  considerable c o m m itm e n ts in  this respect.
A t  a  tim e o f e c o n o m ic  difficulties w h e n  vulnerable groups - an d  w o m e n  
in particular - are confronted w ith great difficulties, m easures to 
prom ote equal opportunities in  e m p lo y m e n t are of the u tm ost' im portance. 
T h e  C o m m u n ity  should m a k e  this priority clear both in  its statements 
a n d  proposals for resolutions a n d  forward-looking strategies.
A  positive, concrete a n d  pragm atic approach to this issue is the best 
w a y  for the C o m m u n ity  to m a k e  a  substantial contribution to the C o n ­
ference, to pro m o te valuable discussion at■international level a n d  to 
obtain conclusions a n d  guidelines w h ic h  could serve as a  useful basis 
an d  incentive for future w o r k  at both C o m m u n ity , national a n d  inter­
national levels.