Although the legal status of women in Europe has undoubtedly improved during recent decades, effective equality is far from being a reality.
Gender equality is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy, in which all women and men, all girls and boys, in all their diversity, enjoy their human rights in law and in practice. Gender equality entails equal rights for all, as well as the same representation, visibility, empowerment, responsibility and participation, in all spheres of public and private life. It also implies equal access to and distribution of resources between women and men. Achieving gender equality is central to the fulfilment of the Council of Europe’s mission: safeguarding human rights, upholding democracy and preserving the rule of law.
INTRODUCTION: THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND GENDER EQUALITY PAVING THE WAY TOWARDS THE NEW STRATEGY ON GENDER EQUALITY
Council of Europe legal instruments
Council of Europe gender equality strategies for 2014-2017 and 2018-2023
The new Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029: emerging challenges
The Council of Europe in the global context: the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
THE NEW GENDER EQUALITY STRATEGY 2024-2029: ITS MISSION AND STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Strategic Objective 1 – Preventing and combating gender stereotypes and sexism
Strategic Objective 2 – Preventing and combating violence against women and girls and domestic violence
Strategic Objective 3 – Ensuring equal access to justice for women and girls
Strategic Objective 4 – Achieving balanced participation of women and men in political, public, social and economic life
Strategic Objective 5 – Ensuring women’s empowerment and gender equality in relation to global and geopolitical challenges
Strategic Objective 6 – Achieving gender mainstreaming and including an intersectional approach in all policies and measures
INSTITUTIONAL SETTING, RESOURCES AND WORKING METHODS PARTNERSHIPS COMMUNICATION APPENDIX – LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS