Doc. 11399

1 October 2007

Centenary of the birth of Simone de Beauvoir (2008):
VIPs committed to promoting equality
between women and men

Motion for a resolution

presented by Ms CLIVETI and others

1. In 2008 Europe will celebrate the centenary of the birth of Simone de Beauvoir, the French intellectual committed to the rights of women and their emancipation. Her work on "the second sex" enlightened Europe’s conscience and influenced developments in society.

2. Despite the progress that has been made, women’s rights are far from complete, be it in the area of political, economic and social rights, career opportunities or a work/life balance. In addition to social and political progress, public awareness is essential if we are to build a more egalitarian society. Campaigns and media coverage are necessary in order to pursue Simone de Beauvoir’s combat. This can be achieved only with the help of VIPs in a position to capture the attention of the media and the public at large. While many famous women militate in favour of peace and children and against war and famine, too few are committed to promoting women’s rights.

3. The Council of Europe is well aware of the role that education plays, particularly among the very young, in promoting women’s rights and combating sexist stereotypes. Given the influence of role models on the general public, and particularly young people, the Council of Europe should encourage celebrities who are known in Europe to commit themselves to promoting equality between women and men.

4. On the occasion of the centenary of Simone de Beauvoir’s birth, the Parliamentary Assembly could propose a Europe-wide campaign for equality between women and men with the support of VIPs from academic, political, artistic and sporting circles.

5. The Parliamentary Assembly could invite national parliaments to organise political, artistic and other cultural events (exhibitions, concerts and lectures) involving VIPs committed to women’s rights in order to foster awareness, in each member state, among young people, the public at large and the media.

6. The Parliamentary Assembly could also organise an event during one of its part-sessions bringing together VIPs committed to equality between women and men in order to reaffirm the importance it affords to this fundamental principle.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed^1:

CLIVETI Minodora, Romania, SOC

ANTUNOVIĆ Željka, Croatia, SOC

AUSTIN John, United Kingdom, SOC

AZZOLINI Claudio, Italy, EPP/CD

BARTUMEU CASSANY Jaume, Andorra, SOC

DAMANAKI Maria, Greece, SOC

DUPRAZ John, Switzerland, ALDE

GAJDŮŠKOVÁ Alena, Czech Republic, SOC

HÄGG Carina, Sweden, SOC

HENDERSON Doug, United Kingdom, SOC

HOLOVATY Serhiy, Ukraine, ALDE

HURSKAINEN Sinikka, Finland, SOC

STANTCHEVA Darinka, Bulgaria, ALDE

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group