Gender and labour ministers from all regions of Europe took part at a high-level conference in Rome on 12 April to explore how to face the challenge of creating a better work-life balance for women, ensure that family responsibilities can be better shared, improve gender equality and prevent gender-based discrimination. The division of caring tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of teleworking and part time work, also from the employers’ perspective, were also discussed. The participants have reiterated the importance of building better conditions for women to be economically independent despite continued gender gaps in both the public and private sector, contributing towards the goals of the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Strategy.

The opening addresses were delivered by Elena Bonetti, Italian Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family, Benedetto Della Vedova, Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Claudia Luciani, Council of Europe Director of Human Dignity, Equality and Governance, and Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality. The conference was organised as part of the Committee of Ministers Italian Presidency, by the Italian Minister of Equal Opportunities and Family in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The conference participants adopted conclusions that will set the direction of the Council of Europe's work in this area.

For further information and the texts of statements please, see the conference webpage.