Minding the Gap: Overcoming Gender Inequalities in the European Labour Market

Equality, based on gender, is a conditio sine qua non in achieving the European Union’s overall objectives in employment, social cohesion and economic growth. The participation of women in the labour market contributes substantially to the sustainability and economic development of communities throughout Europe. However, despite some modest developments, there are still significant participation gaps in the labour market – which varies between 36.9% and 73.2% – depending on the member state. If we include the employment rate between women and men with children, this gap increases dramatically. These disparities can only be overcome by challenging the deep-rooted gender stereotypes which shape women’s and men’s skills and influence the gender imbalance in paid and unpaid work.

Along with these tendencies, it is important to highlight the existing occupational and sectoral segregation contributing to the gender pay gap, which is 17.4% on average in the EU according to
the 2007 Eurostat figures. In society, business and public life gender gaps still exist in extremes –
Although the numbers of female managers in Europe remained stable during the last few years,
averaging 30%, figures are much lower in the majority of member states.

Building on existing equal pay legislation, the European Commission launched a raising awareness campaign in 2007 in order to find solutions to overcome long-standing gender pay gaps. This campaign had a positive impact in some EU member states including the UK, Finland, France and Sweden. Despite those efforts, further and more intensive raising awareness and capacity building strategies are needed at all levels in Europe.

With the recent announcement that the Commission will renew its commitment in 2010 to promoting gender equality by adopting a gender equality strategy, this special International Symposium provides a timely opportunity for practitioners and stakeholders across the EU to discuss the next steps for the Roadmap for equality between women and men in the workplace and European labour market.

The Centre for Parliamentary Studies welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.