Equal pay for men and women or for work of equal value is one of the fundamental rights and principles of the EU, but on average women are still paid 14% less per hour than men, with pay differences present in all sectors and widening with age. Although welcomed as a much-needed step to close the gender pay gap, the Commission's proposal on pay transparency is receiving a mixed response, an EESC hearing found.
The EESC NAT Section and its Sustainable Development Observatory are marking International Women Day 2021 by taking part in the #IWD2021 action to celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.
This public hearing will bring together policymakers and civil society stakeholders to discuss on existing initiatives, the role that civil society should play, and what policy actions are necessary to untap their potential in this regard.
Gender inequality remains one of the most pressing issues that our societies continue to face. The question of gender equality in the media sector is shaped by broader political, social and technological developments that influence how women participate in and are represented across media landscapes.
Room JDE63, JDE building, Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040
Brussels
Belgium
The EESC will hold a public hearing to examine the recently adopted LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The event will bring diverse stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in implementing the strategy’s actions, enforcement of anti-discrimination norms, and strategies to ensure that EU policy frameworks meaningfully foster the Union of Equality. Key questions will focus on mainstreaming LGBTIQ+ equality, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, mechanisms for Member State engagement, and strategies for bridging gaps between EU-level and national practices.
In the context of the European Gender Equality Week, the European Economic and Social Committee is organising a thematic debate during the meeting of its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) on 13 November 2024 (14:30 - 16:00 CET), focusing on the disproportionate impact of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss on women and girls, and the critical role they play in advocating for solutions.
Room VMA 22 EESC building & Interactio, Rue Van Maerlant 2, 1040
Brussels
Belgium
The EESC's Permanent Group on disability Rights is organising a hybrid public hearing on " Ensuring sexual and reproductive health rights for women with disabilities " on 8 July 2024 from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
During the event, we will discuss with relevant stakeholders existing good practices as well as problems encountered by women with disabilities both in the EU and on a global level.
The hearing will gather stakeholders from civil society and institutions to look into the various forms of violence against women and girls that are not covered by 2024 Directive on gender violence. The objective will be to provide a perspective that truly contemplates a common comprehensive policy against gender-based violence, offering a comprehensive and effective strategy against this violation of human rights within the framework of the Union. Reflexions will feed into an Own-Initiative Opinion by the EESC FRRL Group.
In the context of the European Gender Equality Week and as part of its section meeting, the NAT section will host a public debate on gender equality and youth in rural areas.
