The EMHF has introduced European Parliament members with an active interest in gender equality to its work.
Responding to the invitation of Mrs Anna Karamanou MEP and Chairwoman of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities of the European Parliament (FEM), Erick Savoye, Director of the European Men's Health Forum, gave a presentation to the Committee members on March 16.
The meeting provided a much welcomed opportunity to introduce EMHF and its gender equity objectives. As illustrated by a strong collaboration already in place with the European Institute of Women’s Health, EMHF talked about its commitment to participate, alongside other women’s health interest groups, in the EU policy debate for the reduction of inequalities. In health as in several other contributing areas, greater considerations for gender-based needs would also lead to more effective policy implementation and resource allocation from a governmental perspective.
During question time, men’s health in the new Member States was raised as an area of increasing concern and it was suggested that EMHF should consider expanding the scope of its existing report as early as possible. Other topics of discussion included the gender-based roles in the prevention and control of obesity, particularly with regard to the education of children about nutrition.
Concluding the meeting, Mrs Karamanou assured EMHF of the Committee’s support for improvements in men’s health and greater gender equity. The Forum was encouraged to maintain the dialogue with the Committee, and to return in September for another debate when the new Members reconvene post-elections.
Related links:
FEM http://www.europarl.eu.int/committees/femm_home.htm
EIWH www.eurohealth.ie
