FOREWORD

If we take stock of these past few years, we can see that equality between women and men has made good progress. Despite this, inequalities remain.

Women are employed in greater numbers and more women complete higher education degrees, even overtaking men. However, women are hit by unemployment in greater numbers than men (9.7% vs. 7.8%).

European legislation has helped reduce the pay gap between women and men. Still, women earn, on average,15% less than men and often remain confined to lower paid jobs. Several initiatives have been taken to improve
reconciliation of family and working life. Nevertheless, women continue to take on the better part of the responsibility of caring for children and other dependents. Women continue to be under–represented in political and
economic decision-making. Women and girls continue to be victims of intolerable acts of violence.

We cannot accept this in today's democratic society. We must break the glass ceiling once and for all.

This is why the Commission adopted, on 1 March 2006, a Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men covering the period 2006-2010. This Roadmap paves the way for new actions in combination with existing
successful ones. It reflects the Commission's commitment and determination to pursue its role. It is also a response to the requests of stakeholders at all levels – European institutions, Member States, social partners and civil
society – to accelerate progress towards real equality.

I am convinced that this new Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men will provide the necessary momentum to keep gender equality high on the political agenda and inspire us all to tackle this issue. I welcome the
strong political signal given by the EU Heads of State and Government by adopting the European Pact for Gender Equality at the European Council in March 2006. The priorities of the Pact perfectly tie in with those of the
Commission's Roadmap.

I look forward to working in partnership with you all. In the meantime, I invite you to read more about the Roadmap and its priorities for action in the following pages.