EUROPA

SUMMARY

Gender equality is a fundamental right under the Treaty of Lisbon and a priority policy of the European Union (EU). However, further progress must be made in order to achieve real gender equality in the spheres of both professional and private life.

In this respect, the European Institute for Gender Equality plays a significant role in providing the expertise needed to develop gender equality policies across the EU.

Aims of the Institute

The Institute brings its technical expertise to the European institutions and the Member States in order to help to:

• promote and strengthen gender equality;
• include gender mainstreaming in all Community policies and resulting national policies;
• fight discrimination based on sex;
• raise EU citizens' awareness, specifically through conferences and publicity campaigns.

The Institute bases its work on objective, comparable and reliable data at European level. It is responsible for collecting, analysing and disseminating this information.

It also analyses information collected from international organisations and third countries. Lastly, it contributes to integrating the principle of gender equality into European external policy.

The Institute promotes the exchange of experience and dialogue between all relevant stakeholders, specifically the social partners, non-governmental organisations and research centres.

Operation

The Institute performs its tasks in an independent and transparent manner. It is led by a Management Board, with the support of a Director and is assisted by an Experts’ advisory forum. Its seat is in Vilnius (Lithuania).

In particular, it cooperates with the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.