The challenges of gender equality are as different as the context in which they appear and require concrete responses, either through multilateral forums, dialogue with partner countries on EU policy proposals or funding of specific projects. Through education programs, we want to help more girls to attend, learn and think of themselves as future drivers of change. We believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to stop isolation and abuse, because there is no way out without economic independence.

The EU Action Plan for Gender Equality is not an exercise on paper. It is a call to action, with concrete measures. We want to empower more women and girls in all their diversity to be economic, political or environmental actors and leaders. We want to continue to integrate Women, Peace and Security into the broader agenda of gender equality and women's empowerment. We want to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights and make gender-responsive leadership the norm in EU institutions, leading by example.

We believe that gender equality deserves to be placed at the center of European policies. Not only because a gender equal, fair and inclusive world means a more prosperous and safer world for all of us, but because we see that gender equality is in itself a goal and a mission for Europe, at home and abroad.

Read more at: www.europa.ba