European Community principle of equal treatment sex discrimination positive action in employment of women

摘要

The European Community's 1976 directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment ("Equal Treatment Directive") defines that principle in such a way as to prohibit all sex discrimination, both direct and indirect (Article 2(1)). The directive does not, however, prohibit measures that "promote equality of opportunity for men and women"-in particular, measures that remove existing inequalities that affect women's opportunities in access to employment, including promotion and vocational training (Article 2(4)). Article 141(4) of the Treaty Establishing the European Community (EC Treaty) provides that the equal treatment principle "shall not prevent any Member State from maintaining or adopting measures providing for specific advantages in order to make it easier for the under-represented sex to pursue a vocational activity or to prevent or compensate for disadvantages in professional careers." The express purpose of such measures is to ensure full equality in practice between men and women in working life.