Despite many recent breakthroughs, and the fact that the EU gender equality index reached record levels this year, much still needs to be done for women to achieve equal rights with men in many domains.

On 25 October, the EESC held a debate on gender equality as part of European Gender Equality Week – an annual event organised by the Parliament aimed at highlighting the EU's continuous efforts to put women at the centre of legislation.

Although progress is being made, it is far from satisfactory. In 2023, the EU gender equality index registered the highest annual increase ever, bringing the EU score to 70.2 points, as reported this week by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

Vice President of the European Parliament, Evelyn Regner, pointed out the continued segregation in the labour market, with women concentrated in lower-paying sectors and men in higher-paying ones. She stressed the urgency of tackling gender inequalities, especially in equal job opportunities. Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, highlighted the EU's efforts over the last four years to protect women's rights, including proposed legislation on pay discrimination and women's representation on company boards.

EESC President, Oliver Röpke, reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to mainstreaming gender equality across all policy work, and encouraged female leadership within the EESC. The EESC will once again take part in European Gender Equality Week, and organise debates on the impact of the climate crisis on gender equality, violence against women and gender inequality in access to financial markets. (ll)