Third Meeting of the EC’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy

Last April, 3rd the European Commission’s Network of Women in Decision-making in Politics and Economy held its third meeting in Brussels, and Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME, participated in the event as a member of the network.

At the beginning of the meeting Mrs. Belinda Pyke, Director of the DG for Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission introduced to the group the new Head of Unit of the Department of Equality between Women and Men, Mrs. Daniela Bankier, who will be replacing Ms. Fay Devonic in this position.

The Meeting’s main objective was to discuss how the use of female role models can increase the number of women actively participating in decision-making posts. Apart from this debate, it was also discussed the importance of promoting participation – between the members of women organisations – in the upcoming Elections to the European Parliament, which will be held between 4th and 7th June 2009. The European Commission is fully committed to supporting the information campaign launched by the European Parliament, facing the challenge to inform all the citizens of their right to vote and stand as candidates, promoting particularly, the participation of women across the European Union.

The next meeting of the EC’s Network will also take place in Brussels, on June 15th and 16th, within the framework of a large scale Conference which will examine the positioning of women in decision-making posts in Politics and the Economy.

In the picture above, standing from left to right: Mrs. Sophia Economacos, President of Eurochambers’ Women’s Commission; Mrs. Mª Helena de Felipe, President of AFAEMME; Mrs. Daniela Bankier, Head of Unit of the Department of Equality between Women and Men; Mrs. Bola Olabisi, Director, European Women Inventors and Innovators Network; Mrs. Myriam Schevernals, from Femanet Eurocadres