New framework for action on gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide through EU external relations

A new framework for the EU’s activities on gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU’s external relations for the 2016-2020 period was adopted today by the European Commission and the EEAS. Its aim is to support partner countries, especially in developing, enlargement and neighbouring countries, to achieve tangible results towards gender equality which is at the core of European values, as well as the new Sustainable Development Goals to be formally adopted this week. EU High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: ”With this new framework the EU takes forward working for gender equality in all its external actions. Women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights. We want to provide our partners with the effective support they need in order to fight violence against women and girls and at the same time to empower them socially and economically, so that women can participate actively in the political, social and cultural life of their countries.”EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said: “It is my firm conviction that our new approach will not bring only words but concrete actions and results. It will be translated into real improvements in the livelihoods of women and girls in third countries – where progress needs to be accelerated if we are to transform our world and unlock a development that is really sustainable.” A press release and memo are available online.