The Council of Europe challenges any interference with women's liberty and dignity, aims to eliminate discrimination based on sex and promotes a balanced representation of women and men in political and public life. The Council of Europe defines gender equality as equal visibility, empowerment and participation of both sexes in all spheres of public and private life. Therefore, it is recognized that equality must be promoted by supporting specific policies for women. Significantly, the Council of Europe recognizes the importance of involving men in promoting equality.

In relation to the rights protected, Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibits any distinction based, inter alia, on grounds of sex. Protocol No. 7 adds the principle of equality between spouses with regard to their rights and responsibilities in marriage. Furthermore, the Revised European Social Charter (1996) provides a number of specific rights for women and contains a specific non-discrimination clause on a variety of grounds, one of which is sex. The Council of Europe particularly takes a strong stance on minimizing violence against women, including trafficking of women for sexual exploitation.

The Declaration of the Committee of Ministers on Equality of Women and Men (16 November 1988) affirms that the principle of equality of the sexes is an integral part of human rights, and that sex-related discrimination is an impediment to the exercise of fundamental freedoms. The Fourth European Ministerial Conference on Equality between Women and Men (Istanbul, 1997) laid the foundations for current activities in the field of gender equality by adopting a Declaration on gender equality as a fundamental criterion of democracy, together with multidisciplinary strategies aiming at the balanced participation of women and men in all walks of life.

The Council of Europe has several bodies and documents that address gender equality. The Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men reports to the Parliamentary Assembly on questions regarding equal opportunities and on policies and legislation designed to promote equality. The Committee also supervises implementation of commitments undertaken by Council of Europe Member States in the Platform for Action adopted by the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing). Moreover, the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Human Right and Legal Affairs covers a broad range of areas, including the protection of human rights and equality between women and men.

The Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG) carries out analyses, studies and evaluations, promotes co-operation to achieve equality on a pan-European level, defines strategies and political measures, drafts the appropriate legal instruments, organizes the European Ministerial Conferences on equality between women and men, and comments on the annual reports of the Secretary General. The CDEG may set up subordinate bodies (working groups, specialist groups, committees of experts, etc.) to assist it in its work. These bodies work for a two to three year period on a specific subject. The CDEG and its secretariat co-operate closely with several other committees within the Council of Europe. They also maintain a regular exchange of information with the European Commission and the United Nations, to avoid duplication of activities. The Council of Europe's program of co-operation aims to help member and applicant states advance democratic reforms, human rights protection and the rule of law. Co-operation activities in the field of equality include information and awareness-raising seminars, legislative expertise and translations.

Analysis provided by: Maggie Smieszek, Legal Expert.