Gender inequalities in unpaid care work and on the labour market in the EU
- Overview
- Publications
Description
EIGE is looking into gender inequalities in pay and unpaid care, as requested by the German Presidency of the EU. The study is part of EIGE’s review of the Beijing Platform for Action.
The study will examine how unequal sharing of unpaid care activities at home affects pay inequalities in the labour market. It will also look at the different ways in which families outsource care work. Recommendations to reduce gender inequalities in unpaid care work and on the labour market will also be presented.
The study will combine qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and will include information from focus groups carried out in eleven EU Member States.
Report: Gender inequalities in care and consequences for the labour market
Beijing Platform for Action
Economic and financial affairs, HealthThe year 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), the leading roadmap for gender equality in all spheres of public and private life. Many of the challenges identified in the BPfA in 1995 remain relevant today, including the gender pay gap and women’s disproportionate burden of unpaid care.
20 January 2021
Employment, PovertyThere is a direct link between the unequal division of unpaid care in households and gender inequalities in the labour market. The bulk of unpaid care work is done by women, and this hinders their access to employment.
19 November 2020
Although the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) was established 25 years ago, many of the challenges identified in 1995 remain relevant today (such as the gender pay gap, unequal distribution of unpaid work or experiences of gender-based violence, to name just a few).
05 March 2020
PovertyThe Europe 2020 strategy aims to lift at least 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion. However, this target does not directly acknowledge the gender dimension of poverty and looks unlikely to be met; 23.3 % of women and 21.6 % of men in the EU remain at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
05 March 2020
EducationSince 2013, the EU has made several commitments to address gender equality issues in education and training. The Strategic Engagement for Gender Equality 2016-2019 highlighted the need to address gendered choices in study subjects and subsequent careers.
05 March 2020
HealthGender stereotypes and socioeconomic inequalities continue to impact on access use of preventative and curative health services. For example, while the EU has done work to increase the access of girls and women living outside the EU to sexual and reproductive health services, there has been limited action to promote access to such services within the EU.
05 March 2020
ViolenceAll EU Member States have criminalised some forms of violence against womenand, together with the EU institutions, have worked to strengthen legal frameworks and better determine the scale of the phenomenon.
05 March 2020
JusticeThe Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) underlined the importance of women’s participation in conflict resolution and the promotion of lasting peace. It also recognised that women have the right to protection, as they are at particular risk of being targeted by violence in conflict, such as conflict-related sexual violence and forced displacement.
05 March 2020
Economic and financial affairs, EmploymentWomen’s economic empowerment has long been a feature of EU policy, but the shift in priorities in the aftermath of the economic crisis has left the employment policy largely gender blind. Thus the Europe 2020 strategy includes a target of having 75 % of the working age population in employment by 2020 but does not distinguish between women and men.
05 March 2020
Recent years have seen considerable focus on the representation of women in political and economic decision-making by EU institutions. Both the European Parliament and the European Commission put in place actions to encourage politicians in the Member States to introduce measures to improve and accelerate gender balance in political and economic leadership positions.
05 March 2020
Gender equality is one of the fundamental values of the EU. Since 1996, the EU Commission has committed itself to a dual approach, which involves ‘mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies, while also implementing specific measures to eliminate, prevent or remedy gender inequalities’ (1).
05 March 2020
JusticeAll EU Member States have obligations to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure that they fully enjoy their human rights. The long-standing Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women is the basis for this. Since 2013, there have been several developments within EU policy that are relevant to the human rights of women.
05 March 2020
The EU’s overarching gender equality commitments and measures have rarely addressed women and the media. The media were not mentioned as a priority in the European Commission’s strategic engagement for gender equality 2016-2019 or in the Council of the EU’s pact for equality between women and men 2011-2020.
05 March 2020
Environment and climate changeThe climate change policy agenda in the EU is driven by the EU’s 2020 climate and energy package, which sets out broad targets to be achieved by 2020.
05 March 2020
YouthSince 2013, the EU has developed several important policies with relevance to the health of girls. These relate to tackling obesity and promoting safe sexual relations. The EU action plan on childhood obesity (2014) highlighted gendered aspects of obesity and called for healthier environments and restrictions on marketing to children.
05 March 2020
Digital agenda, Youth, ViolenceEIGE’s research shows the many ways digital technologies are benefiting young people in access to learning, friendship, information and actions for social change. It also shows that aggressive behaviour online is anticipated and normalised.
28 March 2019
Culture, Digital agenda, Education, Employment, ViolenceDigital technology has changed many things in our lives, but how is it affecting gender equality? Digitalisation has transformed the character of the labour market, changed the way we interact with our friends, shaped political participation, is impacting the future of work and also carries the risk of cyber<br />
11 October 2018
Digital agenda, Education, Youth, ViolenceDigital technologies offer young women and men innovative ways to get involved in politics. From receiving instant news notifications on political developments, to engaging in online debates and expressing opinions on social media, political and civic participation has become faster and easier.
11 October 2018
Education, EmploymentAbout half of EU students graduate in two main fields of education. In both of them, the lack of one gender is striking. Almost a quarter of students (24 %) graduate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and most of them are men.
13 July 2018
Economic and financial affairs, Education, EmploymentReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States
22 March 2018
Poverty, Employment, Economic and financial affairsAlmost one in four people in the EU live at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Living conditions, poverty levels and pathways into and out of poverty are different for women and men and also vary across the span of a person’s life. Young people (18-24) make up 10 % of all poor in the EU.
21 April 2017
Poverty, Employment, Economic and financial affairsReview of the implementation of Area A: Women and Poverty of the Beijing Platform for Action
28 November 2016
PovertyThis factsheet is part of the study “Collection of good practices of non-monetary measures in the area of Women and Poverty” (EIGE/2015/OPER/18). This study was commissioned by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and implemented by the Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini (FGB).
17 October 2016
PovertyThis factsheet is part of the study “Collection of good practices of non-monetary measures in the area of Women and Poverty” (EIGE/2015/OPER/18). This study was commissioned by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and implemented by the Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini (FGB).
17 October 2016
Poverty, Employment, Economic and financial affairsReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action
19 September 2016
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States
12 August 2016
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication is part of EIGE’s broader mandate of monitoring EU progress towards gender equality within EU policy framework, specifically in relation to the strategic objectives of the Beijing Platform for Action (acknowledged by the European Council in 1995).
07 December 2015
SportThis fact sheet presents some of the key barriers preventing gender equality in decision-making in sports organisations, as well as obstacles to equal participation in sports and coaching, often due to gender stereotypes.
25 November 2015
PovertyRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
EducationRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
HealthRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Health, ViolenceRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Migration, ViolenceRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Economic and financial affairsRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Read more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, ViolenceRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
JusticeRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
CultureRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Environment and climate changeRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
YouthRead more: EIGE's work on the Beijing Platform for Action
05 June 2015
Economic and financial affairs, Employment, EntrepreneurshipReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States
23 April 2015
Health, ViolenceThis report presents the good practices collected under EIGE's study which aimed to identify and collect existing resources and information on training to prevent domestic violence, on campaigns to raise social and political awareness on domestic violence and on support services for victims of domestic violence. Read more: EIGE's approach to good practices Domestic violence
27 March 2015
The 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action represents an opportunity to assess the progress made by the EU in the area of gender equality since the last review five years previously. This report presents an assessment of key trends in the EU and its Member States in the period 2007–12, highlighting the areas where there has been progress and where challenges remain. Read more:
30 January 2015
Economic and financial affairs, EmploymentRead more Report: Gender equality and economic independence: part-time work and self-employment Gender equality and economic independence: part-time work and self-employment: Main Findings EU Indicators for the Beijing Platform for Action area F. Women and the economy
12 January 2015
Economic and financial affairs, Employment, EntrepreneurshipReview of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States The report focuses on the importance of gender equality in economic rights and independence, including access to employment, appropriate working conditions and control over economic resources.
17 October 2014
Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, ViolenceReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication compares and presents the progress of Member States in the area of institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming since 2006, when the first report on institutional mechanisms was developed by the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
07 August 2014- Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, Violence
Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication compares and presents the progress of Member States in the area of institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming since 2006, when the first report on institutional mechanisms was developed by the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
07 August 2014 - Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, Violence
Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication compares and presents the progress of Member States in the area of institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming since 2006, when the first report on institutional mechanisms was developed by the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
07 August 2014 - Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, Violence
Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication compares and presents the progress of Member States in the area of institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming since 2006, when the first report on institutional mechanisms was developed by the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
07 August 2014 
Economic and financial affairs, EntrepreneurshipReport from consultation meeting Within the context of the ‘Study on area F of the Beijing Platform for Action Women and the Economy’, the consultation meeting ‘From practices with potential to good practices on women’s entrepreneurship’ was held in Athens on 27 and 28 February 2014.
13 June 2014
Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, ViolenceEU Indicators for the Beijing Platform for Action area H. Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women
18 March 2014- Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, Violence
EU Indicators for the Beijing Platform for Action area H. Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women
18 March 2014 
Agriculture and rural development, Culture, Digital agenda, Economic and financial affairs, Education, Employment, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environment and climate change, Health, Justice, Maritime affairs and fisheries, Migration, Poverty, Regional policy, Research, Sport, Tourism, Transport, Youth, ViolenceReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication compares and presents the progress of Member States in the area of institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming since 2006 when the first report on institutional mechanisms was developed by the Finish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
05 March 2014
CultureRead also Report: Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations Main findings: Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations Fact sheet: Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations EIGE's work on women and media
22 January 2014
CultureReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States: Women and the Media This publication summarises the findings of the report ’Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations. Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States’.
24 October 2013- Culture
Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States: Women and the Media This publication summarises the findings of the report ’Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations. Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States’.
24 October 2013 - Culture
Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States: Women and the Media This publication summarises the findings of the report ’Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations. Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States’.
24 October 2013 - Culture
Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States: Women and the Media This publication summarises the findings of the report ’Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations. Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States’.
24 October 2013 
CultureReview of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States: Women and the Media
21 June 2013
CultureRelated publications: Report: Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations Main findings: Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations Interviews with women experts: What about gender equality in the media? EIGE's work on women and media
21 June 2013
Health, ViolenceReview of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication aims to support policymakers and relevant institutions in their efforts to combat and prevent domestic violence by providing them with reliable and comparable data and information for effective, evidence-based decisions and policy improvement. Facts and figures: Area D. Violence against Women
05 March 2013- Health, Violence
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication aims to support policymakers and relevant institutions in their efforts to combat and prevent domestic violence by providing them with reliable and comparable data and information for effective, evidence-based decisions and policy improvement. Facts and figures: Area D. Violence against Women
05 March 2013 - Health, Violence
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication aims to support policymakers and relevant institutions in their efforts to combat and prevent domestic violence by providing them with reliable and comparable data and information for effective, evidence-based decisions and policy improvement. Facts and figures: Area D. Violence against Women
05 March 2013 - Health, Violence
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States This publication aims to support policymakers and relevant institutions in their efforts to combat and prevent domestic violence by providing them with reliable and comparable data and information for effective, evidence-based decisions and policy improvement. Facts and figures: Area D. Violence against Women
05 March 2013 
Health, ViolenceReview of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU Member States Domestic violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time, and one of the biggest global problems. In the EU, 9 out of 10 victims of intimate partner violence are women. It harms women, families, communities and society.
07 December 2012
Health, Violence22 November 2012
Health, Violence14 November 2012
Environment and climate changeOn 21 June 2012 the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of Ministers of the European Union (EPSCO) adopted conclusions on gender equality and climate change and took note on the first indicators prepared by the Danish Presidency on the basis of EIGE’s report. EPSCO conclusions highlight that more women are needed in climate change decision making to respond to climate ch
21 June 2012
Environment and climate changeReview of the Implementation in the EU of area K of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Environment
05 June 2012
Environment and climate changeReview of the Implementation in the EU of area K of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Environment
03 April 2012- Environment and climate change
Review of the Implementation in the EU of area K of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Environment
03 April 2012 - Environment and climate change
Review of the Implementation in the EU of area K of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Environment
03 April 2012 - Environment and climate change
Review of the Implementation in the EU of area K of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Environment
03 April 2012 
Economic and financial affairs, Employment, EducationReview of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the area F: Women and the Economy
20 October 2011
Economic and financial affairs, EmploymentReview of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Economy
19 August 2011- Economic and financial affairs, Employment
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Economy
19 August 2011 - Economic and financial affairs, Employment
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Economy
19 August 2011 - Economic and financial affairs, Employment
Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and the Economy
19 August 2011