Recent data from Eurostat reveal that the unemployment figure among Greek women is 13.3%, whereas it is only 5.4% among Greek men. Moreover, women’s wages continue to be lower than men’s wages. In addition, women’s career advancement and the positions of responsibility that they assume are limited compared with those of their male colleagues.
A progress report has been published on the 2004–2008 programme entitled ‘National policy priorities and areas of action for gender equality’. The report reviews initiatives taken thus far, including relevant policy measures and practical support services. The review also assesses progress in the regulatory framework and with regard to training provisions. Proposals for future plans and actions are then outlined.
Context
Recent data from Eurostat reveal that the unemployment figure among Greek women is 13.3%, whereas it is only 5.4% among Greek men. Moreover, women’s wages continue to be lower than men’s wages. In addition, women’s career advancement and the positions of responsibility that they assume are limited compared with those of their male colleagues.
Meanwhile, although domestic violence has not grown to the proportions it has in other EU countries, it is still treated as a taboo subject. Research has shown that a large proportion of women affected in this manner are unaware that the behaviour directed at them in the family environment is abusive and is included in the concept of violence. In fact, one third of women in this position consider themselves responsible, thereby regenerating social stereotypes on the roles of the two sexes.
The programme National policy priorities and areas of action for gender equality 2004–2008, which was adopted in November 2004, set out four basic aims: boost female employment; prevent and combat domestic violence against women; combat stereotypes through education; and encourage women’s participation in decision-making processes. A progress report on the programme has recently been published, which summarises the various measures and initiatives taken over the last three years. The most important of these are outlined below.
Policies and practical support
A National Commission on Gender Equality has been set up. The task of the Commission is to help create a national strategy on gender equality, design the necessary policies and measures, monitor their implementation and evaluate their results. (See also the Research Centre for Gender Equality (Kέντρο Eρευνών για Θέματα Iσότητας, KETHI) study results on policies developed at both European and national levels directed at women’s employment issues, GR0703049I.)
The General Secretariat for Equality of the Ministry of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation (Υπουργείο Εσωτερικών, Δημόσιας Διοίκησης και αποκέντρωσης, YPES) is implementing a project entitled Integrated interventions in favour of women. This initiative was prepared in the context of the Employment and Vocational Training programme for 2000–2006 as part of the EU’s third Community Support Framework (CSF). Through this programme, the Secretariat provides practical support to unemployed women so that they can find jobs, and facilitates the reconciliation of working and family life. A total of 9,018 women have benefited from this project, most of them unemployed. The candidates encompassed all ages and every region of the country was represented.
By 31 December 2006, the following results were achieved:
6,949 unemployed women took advantage of advisory services;
3,697 unemployed women found jobs through programmes of the Labour Force Employment Organisation (Οργανισμός Απασχολήσεως Εργατικού Δυναμικού, OAED), as well as through other national and regional programmes;
355 working women consulted advisory, support and information services;
577 women availed of training programmes to improve their skills.
Regulatory framework
Law 3488/2006 on Implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women regarding access to employment, vocational training and career advancement, terms and conditions of employment came into effect in August 2006 (GR0609049I). This law defines sexual harassment for the first time, which it treats as gender discrimination in the workplace, creating a claim to compensation on the part of the victim. The Greek Ombudsman (Συνήγορος του Πολίτη) monitors implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women, and works in cooperation with the Corps of Labour Inspectors (SEPE) for the private sector.
In June 2006, employer organisations had signed a protocol with the government on promoting gender equality in the workplace (GR0607019I).
Meanwhile, the Employee Code has extended the right to take parental leave to male employees.
Training provisions
Training and awareness-building seminars were held for judges, public prosecutors, members of the police force, and health and welfare workers, with the aim of more effectively addressing cases of domestic violence and trafficking.
In addition, training seminars were held for teachers and students, in order to dispel gender stereotypes.
Future initiatives
The Lisbon Strategy and the European Commission’s Roadmap for equality between women and men 2006–2010 will be used as guidelines for further action. In this context, the following steps have been proposed:
Απασχόλησης και Κοινωνικής Προστασίας YPAKP
Sofia Lampousaki, Labour Institute of Greek General Confederation of Labour/Confederation of Public Servants (INE-GSEE/ADEDY)
Eurofound raccomanda di citare questa pubblicazione nel seguente modo.
Eurofound (2007), Continuing progress towards gender equality, article.
