Definitions for "Equal opportunities"
(Novo Nordisk definition based on international human rights treaties) Equal opportunity in recruiting, terms of employment, in promotion, and by termination is practised without any distinction, exclusion or preference made on basis of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, religious beliefs, creed, colour, race or ethnic origin, national origin or political orientation except when justified by requirements intrinsic to that specific job.
Promotion of equal opportunities for all pupils and staff regardless of sex, ethnic origin, special needs, etc.
Two key elements of the general principle of equal opportunities are the ban on discrimination on grounds of nationality (EC Treaty: Article 12) and equal pay for men and women (EC Treaty: Article 141). It is intended to apply to all fields, particularly economic, social, cultural and family life.