Date of release : 08-03-2005

Policy area : Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs

Event : European Parliament plenary session

On International Women's Rights Day, Marie-Josée Jacobs, in her capacity as Minister for Equal Opportunities and current President of the Council, made a speech to the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg to respond to questions posed by members of the European Parliament.

The Minister particularly addressed the problems of violence towards women, the relationship between women, poverty and social exclusion as well as the employment of women and pay discrimination towards them. She linked the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy and the role that women should be able to play in the European labour market.

In conclusion, the Minister welcomed the initiative of the Commission on the creation of a European Institute for Gender Equality.

At the invitation of José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, the Minister also participated in a meeting of the Commission group for fundamental rights, the fight against discrimination and equal opportunities.

Finally, Marie Josée Jacobs took part in an open debate with the international press on the subject of the fight against violence towards women.