European Women's Lobby Calls for Renewed
Commitment to Achieving Gender Equality 
Editorial
EWL calls for Renewed Commitment to Achieving Gender Equality
in the Lisbon Strategy to the European Spring CouncilIn view of the coming European Spring Council on 23 and 24 March, EWL sent its written contribution to European decision-makers, stressing the importance of a Lisbon strategy that ensures a cohesive balance between the social, economic and environmental pillars within the strategy and that enables the EU to offer a social, as well as an economic vision, with a clear commitment to the European social model. In order for the Member States to renew their commitment to achieving gender equality in the Lisbon Strategy, EWL urges Governments and the EU to take immediate action in the following areas:
- National Reform Programmes must deliver on EU and Member State gender equality and employment commitments;
- A strong commitment to gender equality must be included in the new streamlining of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) process if it is to be successful;
- The Civil Society should be included as an active partner in achieving the Lisbon strategy goals;
- Specific Gender Equality reporting mechanisms should be set up as these are essential to realise gender equality commitments at EU and Member State level;
- Equal Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making has to be promoted actively;
- The European Pact for Gender Equality should be endorsed, as it is a Tool for Achieving Gender Equality in the Lisbon strategy.
EWL welcomes and looks forward to the successful implementation of the Commission’s Roadmap for equality between women and men 2006-2010 in helping to achieve the Lisbon goals, especially since the gender dimension of the Lisbon strategy for jobs and growth must be strengthened – EWL’s contribution to the Spring Council is available on EWL’s website in English and French - For more information, please contact Juliette Kamper (kamper@womenlobby.org)