“ Decision making , selection , use of opportunities , allocation and use of resources and services due to the individual ' s gender gender equality defined as " non-discrimination ", It is a fundamental right for the European Union and is a priority in EU policies . By promoting the European Union to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and to be an inclusive society advocates gender equality . Equal treatment of men and women has been one of the founding principles of the EU , with the principle of equal pay in the 1957 Rome Treaty . Since the 1970s , European and national laws have increased the options available to women and enriched their lives .