28/11/2008 Standing Committee
At its meeting in , the PACE Standing Committee adopted a resolution highlighting the importance of involving men in achieving gender equality. In this resolution, the committee expresses the view that public policies must incorporate a gender perspective and counter stereotypes, but also include action that encourages the involvement of men.
Steingrímur J. Sigfússon (Iceland, UEL), rapporteur on the subject, stresses that involving men is a prerequisite for achieving gender equality and changing mentalities, particularly when it comes to combating violence against women and ensuring balanced participation of women and men in public and political life.
He considers that in order to involve men it is necessary to raise awareness among boys at an early age by reassigning the roles of girls and boys in a non-stereotyped way and providing an egalitarian education for girls and boys. This last topic will be addressed at a hearing organised by the PACE Equal Opportunities Committee in on 5 ecember with a view to the preparation of a forthcoming report on the rights of girls.