European Commission Puts Forth New Gender Strategy in Development

Marking International Women's Day 2007, the European Commission has proposed a new strategy to promote gender equality in development, outlining concrete actions in five key areas: governance, employment, education, health and domestic violence. EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel said, "To eradicate poverty, we must give women and men in developing countries equal opportunities and support them to achieve equal access to resources." EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner added, "Women's rights are not a side issue, but central to the future prosperity of any developing country…. Inequality is not only morally wrong. Neglecting the contribution that half the population can make is an error no country can afford."

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