Date: December 16, 2003

A considerable economic inequality still exists throughout Europe between women and men with regards to income, access to and opportunities within the job market. Economic and socio-political reforms threaten to have disadvantageous effects for women. Women continue to be underrepresented to a great extent in industry committees and associations as well as at the top levels of the male-orientated economy. Simultaneously, an increasing number of women are developing their own ideas about other forms of economic actions. The united and enlarged Europe projects new challenges and salvages the hope that not only a Common Market, but also a common understanding of values about gender equality and the economy can be developed.

Aims:

• Engendering Economy: Collection and presentation of various research and political approaches in the EU and the accession states
• Exchange of experiences and information about Gender Mainstreaming in economic policy
• Strengthening of gender-conscious political strategies and important political subject areas for women within the EU economic policy: equality of opportunities, the welfare state, sustainability etc.
• Empowerment of women: "economical alphabetisation", making the decision-making processes transparent and showing the possibilities for influence
• Create the impulse for a modernisation of society

Topics:

Within the framework of the planned conference in autumn 2004 the economic policy guidelines of the European Union will be considered. To what extent is the gender relationship taken into account? What are the effects of EU economic policy on women and men, respective of the varying groups of women and men? Where and to what extent do women participate in economic policy decisions? In which areas are women hitherto excluded? Which measures have been previously used in order that women participate with equal rights in economic policy? What perspective does the strived-for EU constitution present? From which strategies can a women and gender-political vision be derived?

What alternatives does the feminist economy present? How are existing practices (for example, centres which help women found and run businesses, business fairs for women, professional networks) assessed with regard to their range? Which Best Practice examples of Gender Mainstreaming (gender budget initiatives to name one) and policies for equality of treatment exist in economic policy in the European context? Which experiences present themselves and where do the present challenges lie?

What future do we see for the economy from a gender perspective? Which areas of growth need and want an economy with gender equality? How is political action in European countries handled (for example, lobbying from national women's organisations about Structural Funds) and how is it organised in the European context? Which demands from gender political perspectives yield themselves to national and European politics?

Target Group:
Women and men, especially women's associations and projects, networks and initiatives, equal opportunities experts, economics representatives, politicians and scientists
Location: Munich, Germany
Language: German and English with simultaneous interpretation

Project Organiser:
Women's Academy, Munich e.V.
The Women's Academy mediates topical results of feminist and gender research through conferences and seminars, supports the networking of women and offers professional further education and advice. Finally, the Women's Academy has organised an international conference about EU enlargement from a women political viewpoint.

Expanding Rights, creating space for action?
Position paper by NRO Frauenforum and Karat Coalition

Further information:
FAM - Frauenakademie München e.V.
Birgit Erbe
Baaderstraße  3
D-80469 München
Tel.: +49-(0)89 - 721 18 81
info@frauenakademie.de

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