Advancing Women in the Workplace

The Women and Equality Unit led a transnational European project called 'Advancing Women in the Workplace', under the 5th Action Programme's Community Framework Strategy on Gender Equality.

About the project

This project established an authoritative picture of the current position of women in the EU labour market, and highlighted the opportunities and barriers to advancement of women in the labour market.

A transnational Steering Committee consisting of members from all partner countries was established and advised on the framework and work plan. Partner organisations in the project were the Irish Government, Irish Trades Union Congress, the British Trades Union Congress, Opportunity Now and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

The project research highlighted that women are increasingly playing a significant role in the EU economy, but still face considerable barriers to opportunity. In addition the research brings together examples of good practice that already exist from across the EU.

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The Advancing Women Conference: 28 – 30 January 2003

A major 3-day conference was held in London on 28-30th January 2003 at which issues on women's progress in the labour market were debated and developed. A good practice handbook was launched as a practical guide to support managers on complementary effective strategies for reducing barriers to women's advancement and for combating stereotypes on the workplace.

Speakers included Patricia Hewitt, UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women. Delegates attended from the UK and other EU states and our target audience was equality and gender specialists in trade unions, employers and policy makers.

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