Gender Equality: Equal opportunities means understanding the barriers and lowering them

“If it was an easy job, there would be someone else doing it.”

As part of the CoR’s contribution to improving gender equality and to building a more inclusive, gender-equal and fair EU, it has put in place since end of 2023 a dedicated Gender Equality Action Plan, which summarises its own processes and practices aiming to improve gender equality at the Committee of the Regions. To support this process the Bureau appointed a special Bureau rapporteur on the CoR Gender Equality Action Plan, Ms Sari RAUTIO​ (FI/EPP), Member of Hämeenlinna City Council.

1. Introduction and Engagement with Gender Equality

I have four kids, already adults, who are all special for me, but our son is on the autism spectrum. When he was small, I realised that if I wanted the world to treat him and us all equally, I needed to take action. So, I started politics on a local level – which is the place where the implementation of law is made, and the everyday choices of equality are done. Quickly I understood that equality is a wider issue – we are all similar, and we are all different. In order to have equal opportunities, we have to have an understanding of the barriers, and lower them. Equality is good for everyone, and we definitely need everyone to have the possibility to do their bit for a better future. And for gender equality – for me it is obvious – we can not afford to lose half of the population.

2. Importance of Gender Equality in Political Bodies and Policy-Making

Diversity helps to make better decisions — that has been shown in a variety of studies. And particularly in times of changes, and when dealing with wicked problems, we definitely need all types of brains and ideas, to help us find new ideas and solutions. Gender equality is not only for women, but for all sexes. We see that already in Finland.

3. Key Angle for the Dossier

For a start, we need to make the situation visible. At the moment, there are only about 25% women in CoR, and the percentage is even lower in the bureau. Also, rapporteurs are much more often men. So, first, we have started to present the statistics, including to national delegations, to raise awareness and prompt discussion. The second thing is to work on our rules of procedure, so that the situation is thought about whenever choices are made and elections held. And the third aspect is communication, both inside the CoR and beyond the house.

4. Main Challenges and Potential Solutions

If and when we want the CoR to have even more influence on EU decision-making, we have to follow the common EU agreements, including on gender equality. We are still behind other institutions in this, and I am so happy that we can learn from the European Parliament and from good practices there. We also have to raise awareness in Member States that when they are selecting new members through their own procedures, they also take a closer look at gender within the delegation. And when we look at the YEPs programme, for young elected politicians, we can see that there is already gender equality there – so we can also learn from them. This is work that needs all of us, and we and our regions will all benefit from this.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article primarily focuses on gender equality and the need to improve gender representation and inclusivity in political bodies and policy-making. This aligns with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of diversity and equal opportunities for all sexes, highlighting the connection to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

The article emphasizes the need for women’s full participation and equal opportunities in political bodies and decision-making processes. This aligns with Target 5.5 of SDG 5. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all sexes, which corresponds to Target 10.2 of SDG 10.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of women in the Committee of the Regions (CoR)
• Percentage of women in the CoR Bureau
• Representation of women as rapporteurs in the CoR
• Gender composition of national delegations
• Gender equality in the selection process of new CoR members
• Gender equality in the Young Elected Politicians (YEPs) program

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the percentage of women in the CoR, the percentage of women in the CoR Bureau, and the representation of women as rapporteurs in the CoR. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of considering gender composition in national delegations and the selection process of new CoR members. The gender equality present in the YEPs program is also mentioned as a potential indicator.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: cor.europa.eu

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