Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 : research report

The key purpose of this study is to assist DG Justice and Consumers in reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of the Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 as implemented up to June 2014 in order to draw lessons for a possible new policy framework. The study covers all six priority areas of the Strategy and provides: i. assessment of the achievements of the Strategy in relation to its objectives in the six priority areas and their relevance in addressing current needs (Chapter 2); ii. discussion of the role of the Strategy according to key stakeholders and whether it is perceived as a coherent framework (Chapter 3); iii. assessment of the role of funding for gender equality by dedicated budget support in the previous multiannual financial framework (2007- 2013) and the prospects for the 2014-2020 period (Chapter 4); iv. concluding remarks on the Strategy's main strengths, weaknesses and value added, as well as some indications emerging from the analysis and stakeholders indications in relation to any new policy framework (Chapter 5). The assessment is based on a desk review of existing documents, as well as the results of an on-line survey conducted by the Commission's services between June and August 2015 among the members of the High Level Group for Gender Mainstreaming. Given the nature of the assessment carried out and the necessity to take into account all the other intervening factors (in primis the financial end economic crisis and the austerity measures) that may account for the changes that have occurred in gender equality conditions, it is not possible to assess the contribution of the Strategy to reaching the ultimate expected outcomes. For these reasons, the assessment conducted focuses mainly on the Strategy outputs and immediate outcomes, and provides a qualitative indication of the extent to which the Strategy could contribute to achieving its objectives. The analysis of stakeholders' perceptions provides additional inputs for the final assessment.