OSCE, Alm.del - 2010-11 (1. samling) - Bilag 47: OSCE PA - Supplementary Item 1-25

1. Considering that:a) Gender equality is a fundamental right and a fundamental principle of theEuropean Union and therefore one of its indispensable objectives,b) Gender equality is essential to achieving the objectives set in terms ofeconomic and social cohesion, high levels of employment and socialprotection, and sustainable growth,c) The European Union cannot afford to ignore the human capital, capacity andtalent offered by women,d) Discrimination on the ground of sex destroys the lives of individuals, isdetrimental to the economy and society as a whole, and undermines supportfor and confidence in the fundamental European value of gender equality andthe rule of law,e) Equality of opportunities for women and men and the protection of theirhuman rights are essential to peace, sustainable democracy and economicdevelopment, and hence to security and stability in the OSCE area,2. Recalling the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality,3. Recalling the Beijing Platform of Action and Resolution 1325 (2000) of the SecurityCouncil of the United Nations, both of which call for the equal participation and fullinvolvement of women,4. Having regard to the European Parliament Resolution of 1 June 2006 on thesituation of Roma women in the European Union,5. Considering that women from ethnic minorities and especially Roma women facemuch more serious multiple discrimination than men from the same ethnic group orwomen from the majority, that the employment rate of Roma women is lower thanthat of Roma men, and that, given their role in the family, women can be thecornerstones of the integration of marginalized women,6. Considering that the Roma woman, in her role as a transmitter of values, has helpedto keep culture alive and to maintain traditions and values, thereby safeguarding theheritage,7. Emphasizing that for the past two decades Roma women have been claiming a spaceof their own for Roma values that does not imply any loss, without forgetting thatthey have been declaring that the genuine promotion of the Roma people requires1

the committed participation of Roma women, without any forfeiting of culturalidentity,The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:8. Encourages the participating States to offer equality of educational opportunity tothe sons and daughters of the Roma;9. Asks the participating States to favour the continuity of Roma women in theirschool careers;10. Further requests the participating States to promote assistance for retaining Romawomen at university and to foster university access for those over 25 years old;11. Encourages the sponsoring of positive action measures permitting the incorporationand promotion of Roma women in the labour market;12. Asks the participating States to promote positive action measures in order to affordRoma women their opportunity in the various public or private institutions;13. Asks the participating States to promote policies aimed at reconciling family andworking life and to advance knowledge of suitable family planning that favours andbalances motherhood and personal and social development;14. Asks the participating States to establish a permanent Observatory to defend thepublic image of Roma women;15. Asks the participating States to promote equal opportunities for Roma women inpolitics, at university, in trade unions, in associations or in any other ambit ofsociety;16. Further asks the participating States to involve Roma women in drawing up equalityplans for contemplation of the proposals as an ethnic minority, and to support thedemands and initiatives of the various Roma women’s associations;17. Asks the participating States to establish opportunities for raising the awareness ofRoma women with respect to education for health through prevention, supportingactivities that contribute to improving the health of women;18. Asks the member countries to support the demand of Roma women for participationof the various national and international bodies addressing the situation of Romawomen;19. Invites the OSCE participating States and the OSCE institutions to report onprogress made in meeting the commitments set forth in this resolution.