Brussels, 07/03/2006
The recent EU report on gender equality between women and men shows that women are paid less than men, hold fewer political jobs and are very poorly represented in top management positions in companies.
"European women are still losing out to men, especially when it comes to pay. Women earn 15% less than men for every hour worked, and this pay gap shows no significant signs of closing" says Viviane Goergen, President of the ETUC's women's committee. "Furthermore, faced with poor quality jobs and difficulties in reconciling work and family life, women are either having to stay out of the labour market or have fewer children, and neither option is good for Europe's future."
"Although the European strategy for growth and employment recognises that gender equality is essential for progress, the National Reform Programmes give less visibility to gender issues, and this is not acceptable," says Catelene Passchier, ETUC Confederal Secretary. "If we are to reach the Lisbon goals and realise women's full potential, gender equality MUST be taken seriously and the barriers must be removed. Issues such as promoting work-life balance, reducing long working hours , tackling both horizontal and vertical segregation, and equal pay, including pay reviews and pay audits, must be taken on board. The Social Partners have already made commitments, via their Framework of Actions on Gender Equality, to make progress in these areas. Sadly, it seems that not all Member States have followed suit."
On International Women's Day, the ETUC calls on its affiliates to put pressure on their national governments to support the European Pact for Gender Equality, as a signal that they are ready to shoulder their responsibility for enabling women to realise their full potential.