Doc. 7698
4 November 1996

MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION on the role of women in the field of science and technology

presented by Mrs GUIRADO and others

1.       A brief look at the contemporary scene in science and technology reveals a series of inequalities in the participation of men and women in scientific and technological development.

2.       These inequalities should not be interpreted as the result of a concerted strategy by men scientists with regard to women, but as the consequence of historical changes.

3.       A whole range of prejudices have worked against women becoming fully involved in the field of science and technology and have denied the latter access to a reservoir of talent. Major obstacles prevent women and girls pursuing scientific and technological education and careers. There are relatively few women on scientific and technological decision-making and advisory bodies.

4.       The desire to achieve a balance in the numbers of men and women participating in science and technology stems not only from moral and social reasons, but also and above all from the beneficial impact this would have on the scientific and technological world. The diversification of viewpoints and different working priorities and approaches, as well as the skills made available would be major assets for scientific activity. The latter would then be better geared to the needs of society and would be more representative of the interests of all its members.

5.       Accordingly, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers call on the member states of the Council of Europe:

      – to encourage parity between the sexes in scientific and technological education;–

      – to ensure that all obstacles to women pursuing careers in the scientific and technological fields are removed;–

      – to open the way for women to become members of scientific and technological decision-making and advisory bodies.Si

Signed: 1

Guirado, Spain, SOC

Birraux, France, EPP

Err, Luxembourg, SOC

Janecek, Czech Republic, EPP

Külahlı, Turkey, EDG

Lekberg, Sweden, SOC

Lenzer, Germany, EPP

Lorenzi, Italy, LDR

Melcak, Czech Republic, SOC

Moser, Austria, LDR

Olrich, Iceland, EDG

Pozela, Lithuania, SOC

Roseta, Portugal, LDR

Sanz, Spain, EPP

Tiuri, Finland, EDG

Weyts, Belgium, EPP

Yürür, Turkey, EDG

1 ¹       SOC : Socialist Group

      EPP : Group of the European People's Party

      EDG : European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left