Culture and Gender Equality – EU Gender Equality Strategy, Presidency Conclusions

The European Union Gender Equality Strategy adopted in March 2020 seeks significant progress towards a gender-equal Europe by 2025. The Strategy presents policy objectives and actions to deliver on the commitment of the von der Leyen Commission to achieve a Union of Equality. It states that all citizens, regardless of their sex, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, sexual identity; racial or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief and any disability, must be able to pursue their chosen path in life and have equal opportunities to thrive, participate and lead. It recognizes the role of the media and the cultural sectors in shaping people’s beliefs, values and perception of reality, and are thus further key channels for changing attitudes and challenging stereotypes. In this document, the Commission commits itself to continue supporting projects promoting gender equality under Creative Europe Programme, including under Music Moves Europe. It also announced that it will present a gender equality strategy in the audio-visual industry as part of the next MEDIA sub-programme, including financial support, structured dialogue, mentoring and training for women film-makers, producers and screenwriters. Presidency Conclusions on gender equality in the field of culture adopted in December 2020, underline the potential of culture to advance gender equality and acknowledge persistent gender inequalities in the sector. This document refers in particular to obstacles related to - equal access to the cultural and creative labour market - equal payment and representation in creative and decision-making positions - equal appreciation and recognition of work It emphasises that gender stereotyping and sexual harassment and abuse remain major concerns in the cultural and creative sectors. The Presidency Conclusions invite the EU Member States amongst others - to ensure equal pay - to promote a better work-life balance - to guarantee gender equality in the institutions and decision-making bodies of the sector - to promote research on gender equality and the collection of sex-disaggregated data in the field of culture The European Commission (EC) is called upon to support transnational initiatives on gender equality in the field of culture and to promote the collection and distribution of culture-specific data on gender equality and cultural diversity in Europe. Creative Europe projects Several projects promoting gender equality have received co-funding under the Creative Europe programme, including a flagship initiative in the music sector – the Keychange project. Keychange is an international campaign that encourages music festivals, orchestras, conservatoires, broadcasters, concert halls, agents, record labels and music organisations to pledge their commitment to achieving a 50:50 gender balance by 2022. The new Creative Europe programme foresees strengthening the role of gender equality across beneficiary projects.