[European Parliament, Brussels, 07 April 2011] Implementing gender equality into the reform of EU agricultural policy is a way to promote sustainable economic growth, say Members of the European Parliament in a resolution that calls for granting women farmers social protection and maternity benefits.
The Parliament approved on Tuesday 5 April a report, drafted by Elisabeth Jeggle (PPE, DE), about the role of women in rural areas that calls for further efforts to improve living conditions in rural areas and offer women the prospect of a successful life there.
Women farmers must have right to social protection and maternity benefits
Supporting women’s participation in the labour force to eliminate gender discrimination at work and improving working conditions of female immigrants are key objectives, according to Members, who also urged Member States to ensure that self-employed women farmers and female spouses of farmers receive social protection and are guaranteed adequate maternity benefits.
The text outlines the importance of improving infrastructure, facilities and services as well as equipping rural areas “with the most up-to-date IT infrastructure”, while encouraging women’s entrepreneurial initiatives.
This report is part of the ongoing debate on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Parliament will adopt its broad position on the reform during the July plenary (tbc).
