Study on gender training in the European Union : mapping, research and stakeholders' engagement (2012-13)Belgium

Gender mainstreaming in federal policies was enshrined in law on 12 January 2007. At the same time, an interdepartmental coordination group was established, Groupe Interdépartemental de Coordination (GIC), comprising selected representatives of the public federal services. The GIC is regulated by Article 3.3 of the Royal Decree of 26 January 2010 which stipulates that all members of the GIC should benefit from specific training on gender mainstreaming. The Institute for the Equality of Women and Men (IGVM-IEFH) is responsible for providing training. Each ministry must nominate a gender mainstreaming coordinator (member of the interdepartmental group) to oversee the implementation of training and awareness-raising activities within their respective organisations. At local level, promoting gender equality is part of the strategy of encouraging diversity. In the Brussels Capital Region, the governmental agreement for 2009-14 confirmed the region's intention to implement a gender mainstreaming approach. Following a draft regulation, approved by government in 2010, pilot projects were developed which included tailored staff training on specific gender-related tools and activities. IGVM-IEFH supported the training.