Ahead of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the European Parliament calls for EU leadership in achieving equal opportunities for women in every area of life, including by implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on gender equality. The recommendation was adopted by plenary with 322 votes in favour, 163 against, and 46 abstentions.

Amid a growing transnational backlash against women’s rights, MEPs want the EU to confirm its commitment to the Declaration and Platform, which they describe as an “international ‘Bill of Rights’ for women”. They condemn “all attempts to roll back, restrict or remove existing protections for gender equality” in light of increasingly influential anti-rights movements.

MEPs also say the EU must support partner countries in addressing gender discrimination, and to lead by example in promoting equality, ensuring that the rights of women and girls are a core part of the EU’s external action.