CIG - Comissão para a Cidadania e a Igualdade de Género (The Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality)

CIG (The Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality) is the official mechanism responsible for the implementation of the public policies designed to promote gender equality in the country. Originally named the Commission on the Status of Women, it was set up in 1975 and became an official department of public administration in 1977, under the responsibility of the Prime Minister’s Office. In 1991, it was replaced by the Commission for Equality and Women’s Rights. In 2007, following a restructuring process of the public administration, the current department (CIG) was created and gained broader competences concerning the implementation of public policies against domestic violence, as well as in the field of non-discrimination and the promotion of citizenship in general. According to its basic law, CIG is supported by an Advisory Board that is currently composed of three sections: (1) NGOs working in the field of women’s rights, gender equality, citizenship and non-discrimination; (2) representatives of each Ministry (the inter-ministerial section); 3) and a technical and scientific advisory group. It is currently answerable to the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Equality. The main policy instruments are the National Action Plans, including the National Plan for Equality – Gender, Citizenship and Non-Discrimination. The current action plan (2014-2017) envisages the promotion of women's economic independence and the reconciliation between professional and family life. CIG has been the intermediate mechanism responsible dor the Priority Axis 7 of the Operational Programme for the Promotion of the Human Potential (POPH), under the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN). The intervention typology 7.2, for instance, is specifically aimed at the promotion of gender equality plans in companies and organizations (private, public and non-profit sectors). The promotion of work-family life balance is considered a pre-requisite for funding. CIG has also been managing the website "Conciliar é preciso" (Reconciling is needed), which results from a project funded by the Equal - Community Programme Initiative, involving different partners. The main aim is to disseminate resources, information on legislation and good practices. In partnership with CITE, CIG has granted the Equality is Quality award to companies/organisations that promote gender equality, good practices in work organisation, including reconciliation of professional, family and private life.