UNITEE, the New European Business Confederation, and CESI, the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions, have the pleasure to invite you to the lunch time debate “Breaking Down Barriers: Towards Gender Equality at Work”, which will take place on 11 December 2014 in Brussels.With the new term of the European Commission beginning to take shape and in the midst of preparations for the Commission’s work programme in full flow, now is the time for stakeholders to open up with their expectations. What can be done at the EU level to move towards gender equality at work by breaking down both structural and cultural barriers?The lunch debate will look at where the private sector and public sector can learn from each other. How can SMEs ensure a better work-life balance and flexible working conditions, key factors for attracting female employees? What can be done more than simply raising awareness of the need for more women in work? Are quotas encouraging women to lead the way? Is Europe on course to closing the gender-pay gap? What is the role of men in gender equality?Programme12:00h     Lunch and registration12:30h     Welcome speech by Adem KUMCU, President of UNITEE12:35h     Introductory words by Viviane TEITELBAUM, President of the European Women’s Lobby and moderator of the conference12:40h     Keynote speeches by panelists followed by discussionThe panel includes:Kirsten LÜHMANN, MP German Bundestag, S&D, President of CESI’s FEMM CommiteePhilippe KERAUDREN, Head of Unit Reflective Societies – DG Research and InnovationFiona O’MALLEY,  Senior Manager in the Financial Sector13:30h      Q&A session13:55h      Closing remarks by Klaus HEEGER, Secretary General of CESIRead more at UNITEE's webpage unitee.eu!