Represents the labour force as a percentage of the population of working age (15-64).

See Positive action.

The spouses of people who are engaged in work usually of a self employed or independent nature, where the spouse is an important contributor to the work but does not necessarily receive direct remuneration for this work and is often not entitled to social protection benefits.

Work which is other than full time and permanent, including part time, evening and weekend work, fixed term work, temporary or sub-contract home based working, teleworking and outwork.

The sharing of power and decision-making positions (40-60 per cent representation of either sex) between men and women in every sphere of life, which constitutes an important condition for equality between men and women (Council Recommendation 96/694/EC of 02/12/96, OJ L 319).

The establishment of a criterion, standard or reference point against which to establish targets and measure progress.

If a person files a legal complaint, it is in principle up to him or her to prove that she/he has been a victim of discrimination. In the area of equal treatment between men and women, a directive, based on the case law of European Court of Justice, shifts the burden of proof between the parties (defendant and complainant).Where persons consider themselves wronged by failure to apply the principle of equal treatment, and where there is a prima facie case of discrimination, it is for the respondent to prove that there has been no contravention of the principle (Judgement of 17.10.89 in Case C 109/88, Danfoss, [ 1989] ECR 3199, para 16; Council Directive of 15.12.97 on the burden of proof in cases of discrimination based on sex).

A broadly based concept covering the provision of public, private, individual or collective services to meet the needs of children and parents (Council Recommendation 92/241/EEC of 31/03/92, OJ L 123).

The impact of (e.g.) inadequate gender balance on the legitimacy of democracy.

Provision of care for those who are young, ill, elderly or less able and dependent on another.

Rights, notably to social security benefits or residence, which accrue to an individual but which originate from and depend on their relationship with another person, usually of parenthood, marriage or cohabitation.

Policies aiming to reduce or eliminate segregation (vertical/horizontal) in the labour market.

The right to respect and in particular freedom from sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplace (Council Resolution 90/C 157/02 of 29/05/90, OJ C 157).

Directives which extend the scope of the principle of equal treatment for men and women (which initially, in the Treaty of Rome, only concerned pay). The principle was extended to access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (Council Directive 76/207 of 09/02/76, OJ L 39), statutory social security schemes (Council Directive 79/7 of 19/12/78, OJ L 6), occupational social security schemes (Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24/07/86, OJ L 225), to those engaged in activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity (Council Directive 86/613/EEC of 11/12/86, OJ L 359), to pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth (Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19/10/92, OJ L 348) and to those who are on parental leave (Council Directive 96/34/EEC of 19/06/96, OJ L 145).

The differences in the values, attitudes, cultural perspective, beliefs, ethnic background, sexual orientation, skills, knowledge and life experiences of each individual in any group of people.

The division of paid and unpaid work between women and men in private and public life.

Any form of physical, sexual or psychological violence which puts the safety or welfare of a family member at risk and/or the use of physical or emotional force or threat of physical force, including sexual violence, within the family or household. Includes child abuse, incest, wife battering and sexual or other abuse of any member of the household.

All persons of either sex who supply labour for the production of economic goods and services as defined by the UN System of National Accounts, during a specified time period (United Nations).

The process of gaining access and developing one’s capacities with a view to participating actively in shaping one’s own life and that of one’s community in economic, social and political terms.

The principle of equal rights and equal treatment of women and men (see also Gender equality).

EMANCIPATIE-ASPECTEN

The aspect of any issue which relates to equality.

The absence of barriers to economic, political and social participation on the grounds of sex.

Equal pay for work to which equal value is attributed without discrimination on grounds of sex or marital status with regard to all aspects of pay and conditions of remuneration (Art. 141 (ex 119) of the Treaty).

Ensuring the absence of discrimination on the grounds of sex, either directly or indirectly (see Sex discrimination).