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Genderwise The role of men as agents of change in reconciling

work and family life

COMMISSION EUROPÉENNE

Transnational Peer Review in Brussels – 30th November 2006

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Plan Plan ofof intervention intervention

Presentations

Introduction to the Peer Review’s theme

Interventions

Propositions– Questions for debate

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The LAG membersThe LAG members

Christine RUEChristine RUE

Trained as a lawyer

In charge of mission for the Regional Group of Action and Information of Women (GRAIF)

Has been working in the associative sector specialized in “Women and gender approach” since 1994

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The LAG membersThe LAG membersGérard REVERENDGérard REVERENDFather of 2 childrenLiberal physiotherapist Master of Neuro-cognitive sciences President of the association [the dads = the moms]

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THE AIMS :

Born of fathers’ movements however messages and aims are different from it (gender and positive approach)

Association [the dads = the Association [the dads = the moms ]moms ]

Promotion of the real co-parentality within the couples and after separation

Accompaniment of families in difficulties towards children during separation

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THE ACTIVITIES : To Sensitize the public to gender questions and its

connections with the diversified parentality

Association [the dads = the Association [the dads = the moms ]moms ]

Organization of an inter-associative meeting “the good parents are both parents”

Contribution to Parliamentary mission of information about family and children rights

Associative reporter and co hearing to the Senatorial Delegation of the women right and to the Ministry of Justice

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The Regional Group of Action The Regional Group of Action and Information of Womenand Information of Women

Association created in 1975 at the service of regional policy, associations and towns districts

Staff and Missions : Place of resources on equality and gender

approach Technical tool to realize diagnosis of needs and

initiatives of women on the territories Diffusion of information, publications Organisation of events, partnerships … We do not welcome publics

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Introduction to the Peer Review’s theme

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Introduction Introduction

Our theme : “Sharing of domestic tasks”Our theme : “Sharing of domestic tasks” :

Regarding the term “Sharing” …

Regarding the expression “domestic tasks” …

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Introduction Introduction The term “Sharing” means, implicitly, that two

persons are in negotiation …that corresponds to one model …

In France, the model of ‘one parent family’ (monoparentality) is more and more frequent :*

Main monoparentality cause : separations for 74 %

In 30 years : these statistics have doubled

Monoparentality is feminine at 90 %

It concerns 2.5 millions of children (-25 years old)

* 2006, Senate report, delegation of women rights.

20 % of the families are ‘monoparent’ family (1.5 millions)

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Introduction Introduction The term “Sharing” means, implicitly, that

two persons are in negotiation …that corresponds to one model

In France, the model of ‘one parent family’ (monoparentality) is more and more frequent :

12 % of the children live in recomposed family 12,7 % of the men and 4.5 % of the women

raise children of the other partner

Until 50 % of single-parent families in area of precariousness

A mother has 30 % less chances to build a new union after separation, than a father

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Introduction Introduction

Our theme : “Sharing of domestic tasks”Our theme : “Sharing of domestic tasks” :

Regarding the term “Sharing” …

Regarding the expression “domestic tasks” …

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Introduction Introduction

The term “Domestic tasks” :

In the French dictionary : “concerns house, household”

For the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) : Household Errands, shopping Child care Gardening, do-it-yourself (odd jobs)

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Demands around equal sharing of responsibilities are very strong in France

But it is important to note that if the domestic roles are since 80’s solidly established, they are now questioned and are the object of bitter negotiations within the couples!

ConclusionConclusion

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Questions and propositions for the debate

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Parental capacity to play with gender rules and representations

Couple capacity to organize and play with the tasks repartition :

To negotiate ‘who does what’ (organization and confidence)

To set up a turning planning To use free times to make ‘separated’ activities To create some spaces of security or freedom (“run for

your life”, “worries box”…)

Capacity of women and men to translate the competences acquired in the management of housework's in professional skills

Propositions to go deeper and to Propositions to go deeper and to reinforce parity …reinforce parity …