Representatives of the Confederation of Family Organizations in the European Union (Confederation of Family Organisation - COFACE) proudly announced that the 7th February 2013 the European Parliament had registered 388 signatures (more than half of its members) Declaration number 32 on the appointment in 2014 by the European Year of combining work and family life.

After supporting the three presiding EU (Ireland, Lithuania and Greece) also received approval from the European Parliament. This is a strong message to the President of the European Commission and the heads of the member states.

Confederation of Family Organizations in 2014 expresses readiness to lead an alliance of civil society organizations in the preparation and successful implementation of the project, which will have great importance in the lives of many families, women, men and children in Europe.

Confederate History and campaigns

Confederation of Family Organizations in the European Union represents a pluralistic association consisting of 50 member organizations from different EU countries. Confederation is working towards a family-friendly environment, allowing members and their families receive sufficient financial resources available quality services and adequate allocation of time to live and enjoy family life with a sense of dignity and harmony.

The campaign for the proclamation of Europe 2014 Year reconciliation of work and family life story has already several years, during which implemented many projects, events, talks and studies that prove the importance of fair family policy. As a symbol of the campaign in 2014 was elected penguin. Why the Penguin? The choice authors explain that penguins have a kind of "maternity leave" and for two natural parents to share their responsibilities.

Once the "mother" lays eggs pound, its food stocks are exhausted. Then she very carefully transfers the egg "dad" before return immediately to the sea, where for two months will eat. It is the "father"-penguin incubates the eggs in the folds of skin within 65 days using stored body fat. After two months of "mother" is returned. More parents are alternately visited by the sea and caring child.

As explained activists Confederation: "This fact was spectacular natural example of gender equality and the division of responsibilities in the upbringing of children. That is why Penguin has become a symbol of our campaign. This model of care for the child contributes to the destruction of stereotypes about gender roles and enables gender equality in both areas of life: family and work".

More information can be found at: http://eyf2014.wordpress.com/ and http://www.coface-eu.org/en/About/Overview/

Contact person: Zoltan Vadkerti, Advocacy Officer / Tel: +32 2 500 56 95 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ana Pérez, Communication Officer / Tel: +32 2 500 56 93 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Confederation supported by EU Employment and Social Solidarity - PROGRESS (2007 - 2013). More information: http://ec.europa.eu/progress/