On 7 March 2018, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers adopted the new Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023.
The new Strategy builds upon the vast legal and policy acquis of the Council of Europe as regards gender equality, as well as the achievements of the first Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017. It links them to both the current economic context and the political leverage within the Council of Europe, including the overarching priorities of the Organisation. The new Strategy outlines the goals and priorities of the Council of Europe on gender equality for the years 2018-2023, identifying working methods and main partners, as well as the measures required to increase the visibility of results.
The Strategy renews the Organisation’s commitment to address current and emerging challenges and remove barriers towards achieving substantive and full gender equality both in the member States and within the organisation. The focus will be on six strategic areas: Prevent and combat gender stereotypes and sexism; Prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence; Ensure the equal access of women to justice; Achieve a balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision-making; Protect the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls and Achieve gender mainstreaming in all policies and measures.