On the road to gender equality: gender balance in the European Economic and Social Committee

This study looks at the state of gender balance in the European Economic and Social Committee, both at the political (members) and administrative (staff) level, and considers the main factors influencing the gender composition of the Committee. Through the systematisation of data on the gender of EESC members and personnel, and information gathered in interviews and a survey, the study provides new and updated quantitative and qualitative information. It finds that there is a persistent and systemic gender imbalance among the EESC members, with some variations across the national delegations and the EESC Groups, among others. It reveals that, as regards the nominations procedures for the EESC members, very few Member States and national organisations establish gender parity/balance requirements and appear to be committed to gender equality in practice. Overall, information and clarity about the national nomination and appointment processes for becoming an EESC member could be improved in some Member States. The study makes a number of key recommendations to the Member States, the nominating organisations and to the EESC itself which, if implemented, would set the Committee on the path to gender balance among its members and personnel.

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On the road to gender equality: gender balance in the European Economic and Social Committee

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