Gender equality action plan 2005-2006

Abstract

The Gender Equality Unit within ETC is directly responsible to promote equal opportunities in employment and training both within and beyond the Corporation, and has worked with great dedication towards this end since it was established two years ago. Among the many initiatives taken by the Unit over the duration of the first Plan, and which are well described in the report, one finds a firm promotion of family friendly measures and of the equal sharing of both work and family responsibilities in two-earner households. Family-friendly measures, especially more flexible work arrangements and affordable childcare services, go a long way towards making the option to work a feasible one for women. A healthy distribution of working hours also prevents job hoarding and allows for a more equitable spread of work. Such measures should aim to give women and men a real opportunity to freely choose the way in which they balance family life and work. It is important to remember that the importance of family-friendly measures lies not only in their economic value, but in their potential to bring about a healthier balance between one’s work, family and leisure. The way that work is currently organised means that this balance also eludes many men who would wish to spend more time with their families and are unable to do so. ETC will therefore continue to promote opportunities for women to enter, to remain or to re-enter the labour market, and to understand and eliminate any barriers in this respect. We will also continue to promote a healthy work-life balance, in the interest of employees and their families as well as of a vibrant workforce. The activities planned for the years 2005 and 2006 reflect this vision.