Contributed by: Katri Tammekand, Estonia National VAW Monitor

The European Union has declared 2007 the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. The 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All is centered on the topic of discrimination due to sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age, and sexual orientation. The key words are rights, representation, recognition of diversity, and respect. The aim is to raise people's awareness that any kind of discrimination is illegal and to start a wide discussion (one which includes minority groups in the society) on the nature of equal treatment.

On the European Union level there are several studies, meetings, and events planned, the aim being to step up cooperation between entrepreneurs, media organizations and umbrella organizations of civil society and to inform the public. For a more detailed overview of the events of the year, check the official webpage:

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/eyeq/index.cfm?language=EN

In Estonia, the activities scheduled for the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All are coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs. In order to find out about questions of priority, different civil society organizations, representatives of minority groups, and agencies were invited for a roundtable meeting in November 2006.

Discussions on the different forms of unequal treatment took place.

The suggestions made were taken into consideration when compiling the activity plan for the year. On 15 December 2006 the activity plan of Estonia for the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All was presented to the European Commission that co-funds the activities.

Activities planned in Estonia are based on three wider aims:

• Increasing awareness about discrimination and options for help in case of unequal treatment
• Equal opportunities in minority groups – raising awareness and increasing tolerance
• Collecting data

Contact: Heili Jõe (heili.joe@sm.ee 626 9261)

Compiled from: Ministry of Social Affairs website.

For more information, please see additional information about the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All at: http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/eyeq/index.cfm?language=EN, where the activity plan of Estonia for the equal opportunities year is available.