European Institute for Gender Equality – EIGE in brief 2018
About EIGE
Who are we?
The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) is the only European Union agency focusing solely on gender equality.
With substantial resources already collected and developed, EIGE is becoming the EU knowledge centre for gender equality.
What we do?
We are working to make equality between women and men a reality in the EU and beyond, so that everyone can have the same opportunities in life, regardless of gender. EIGE’s research paves the way for a greater understanding and awareness of gender equality in all areas of life.
We identify gaps between women and men and collect and analyse data on gender inequalities. By providing evidence-based, practical information, we support policymakers to bring Europe closer to gender equality and improve the lives of both women and men.
Why gender equality?
A wealth of women’s potential remains unfulfilled due to significant inequalities between women and men throughout the EU. If we wish to create a stronger, fairer and more united Europe, we need to eliminate these inequalities.
Equality brings growth
Improvements to gender equality in the EU would generate up to 10.5 million additional jobs by 2050! The employment rate would reach almost 80 % and the EU gross domestic product (GDP) per capita could grow almost 10 % more by 2050. These estimations are based on our research.
EIGE is dedicated to advancing gender equality. We contribute in different ways. See how!
GENDER EQUALITY INDEX: EU progress at a snail’s pace
In 2017 we published the third edition of our Gender Equality Index. It is a unique measurement tool developed by EIGE.
Individual scores given to every Member State and the EU as a whole make it easy to compare gender equality among countries.
During the decade between 2005 and 2015, the Gender Equality Index of the EU only improved by 4 points. With 66.2 points for the EU as a whole and individual country scores ranging from 82.6 (Sweden) to 50 (Greece) there is plenty of room for improvement.
The six core domains of the Index are Power, Time, Knowledge, Health, Money and Work. The Power domain remains the lowest in score (48.5) for the EU although it has progressed at the fastest rate. The Time domain is the only one that decreased in score over 10 years and now stands at 65.7. This means that gender inequalities in time use for housework and caring or social activities are growing.
The unique feature of the third edition of the Index is an intersectional approach, which shows how being a woman or a man intersects with age, education, family composition and parenthood, country of birth or disability.
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index
EIGE publications
- Gender Equality Index 2017: Measuring gender equality in the European Union (2017)
- Gender Equality Index 2017: Methodological Report (2017)
- Gender Equality Index 2017: Main findings (2017)
Recent highlights
In your language: country analyses
Some countries do better than others when it comes to gender equality. There are various reasons behind this. To strengthen our support to the Member States in their national policymaking, we have prepared country-specific factsheets based on the Index results.
All 28 Member States will find their profiles presented in their national language.
Take a look at our website!
How widespread is violence against women?
- 27.5 — is the score showing where the EU stands when it comes to violence against women (on a scale of 1 to 100).
- For this domain, which is also a part of the Gender Equality Index, the higher the score, the more serious the phenomenon of violence against women is. This score shows that violence is prevalent, severe and under-reported. We base the measurement framework on three layers — composite measure, additional indicators and contextual factors.
- This tool could help Member States to monitor and report on some forms of violence against women once they have ratified the Istanbul Convention.
EIGE publication
Who are the most vulnerable?
It is not only about gender. For example, experiences of lone parents are different from those in couples. Age, level of education, disability, living in a different country from the one you were born in — all of these factors influence our life experiences in addition to gender.
We took a closer look at these differences in the latest edition of EIGE’s Gender Equality Index. You can break down the indicators of all of the domains into intersecting inequalities in our online Index interface. A full report on intersecting inequalities will be published in 2018.
EIGE publications
- Gender equality needs to reach everyone: gender equality and disability (2018)
- Gender Equality Index 2017: Intersecting inequalities (2018)
GENDER MAINSTREAMING: Gender is always relevant
Do you doubt whether gender equality matters to your area of work? It does, and we can help to show you how.
On our gender mainstreaming platform, we highlight the relevance of gender equality for 19 policy areas, ranging from fisheries to culture. Here you will find our recommendations on the best ways to integrate the aspect of gender into these areas.
Gender mainstreaming might seem like an abstract concept, but we have developed a recipe that will help. Use our tools during the preparation, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, regulatory measures and budget spending programmes. They will help your organisation to become more gender-equal.
Not a policymaker? Every member of the society needs to know about these: take a look!
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming
EIGE publication
- EIGE’s methods and tools (2017)
Is your parliament gender-sensitive?
Our new online tool helps you to find this out. The parliaments of the EU Member States can use the tool to identify their strengths and weaknesses regarding gender equality.
Across the Member States, women make up less than a third of parliamentarians. This does not contribute to gender-balanced decision-making. This is a concern for democratic societies.
The tool also has a general version, which is open to everyone.
Take a look at our website.
Gender budgeting
To fully benefit from gender equality, a gender perspective has to be at the heart of policymaking. This also applies to budget planning.
How can we make sure that public money benefits all citizens equally? Gender budgeting helps to consider the needs of women and men when allocating public resources. Our gender mainstreaming platform can help you plan and implement inclusive budgets.
In 2018, we will be working on a gender budgeting toolkit for the European Union to track gender equality-related spending, including in the European Structural Investment funds. We are also looking into ways to coordinate gender equality and work–life balance initiatives that the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund support.
EIGE publication
- Gender budgeting (2017)
GEAR tool: now in your language!
Statistics show that men still dominate the research and innovation sector. Together with the European Commission, we have developed an online toolkit — Gender Equality in Academic and Research Organisations, or ‘GEAR’.
The toolkit offers information and guidance on how to bring more gender balance to research institutions. Now you can use the tool in your language! Currently, versions in 23 EU languages are available on our website.
Take a look at our website: Gender mainstreaming — Toolkits
EIGE publication
- Structural change in the research area (2017) (in 23 EU languages)
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: A cause and a consequence of gender inequality
Violence against women is both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality. Providing resources to bring it to an end is an important part of our work.
EIGE’s work focuses on research, statistics, and expertise to help understand the problem and the way it affects our societies. By working together with EU institutions and Member States, we can create better synergies and be more efficient in our efforts to eradicate violence.
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence
Recent highlights
Definitions and data collection
Different definitions and data collection methods make it difficult to gather reliable and comparable statistics on intimate partner violence in the EU.
Why do we need better data?
Reliable and comparable data are essential to:
- Grasp the full scope of violence
- Understand the consequences
- Assess if policies to combat violence are effective
- Monitor and improve the response from the police and justice sectors
- Inform policymaking
We have worked together with Member States to develop country-specific recommendations on how they can improve their data collection and reporting.
EIGE publication
- Data collection on intimate partner violence by the police and justice sectors (2018) (country-specific factsheets)
Effective protection of victims
Gender awareness is very important in legislation. Therefore, we have analysed the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive and the Victims’ Rights Directive by taking into account the specific needs of women and girls trafficked for sexual exploitation.
Our recommendations focus on making it easier for victims to access their rights. To achieve this, implementation of the directives has to be gender-sensitive.
EIGE publication
Female genital mutilation: a problem for the EU
EIGE has carried out a study to estimate the number of girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Belgium, Greece, France, Italy, Cyprus, and Malta. This harmful practice leaves many long-lasting consequences and can even be fatal.
Our research shows that strong laws and awareness-raising campaigns are powerful deterrent factors. However, simply having a law in place is not enough. Training for people implementing the law is vital, combined with awareness-raising about the legislation amongst the communities involved.
In our previous report, we looked at the numbers of girls at risk in Ireland, Portugal and Sweden.
EIGE publications
- Estimation of girls at risk of female genital mutilation in the European Union: Belgium, Greece, France, Italy, Cyprus and Malta (2018)
- Estimation of girls at risk of female genital mutilation in the European Union (2015)
Cyber violence: a very real threat
Cyber violence is a growing concern, especially for women and girls. They are the most likely target of severe forms of online abuse.
Our report on cyber violence stresses the need for more data and gives recommendations to policymakers on how to tackle this emerging form of violence. For example, better policy responses, stronger awareness-raising efforts and gender-sensitive training for the police.
EIGE publication
BEIJING PLATFORM FOR ACTION: Our work to support decision-making
EIGE has an important role in monitoring the progress of gender equality in the European Union.
Every year the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU can ask us to take a closer look at one of the 12 areas of the Beijing Platform for Action. Based on our research, the Presidency makes policy recommendations for the chosen area.
The Beijing Platform for Action is a global commitment to the empowerment of women, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. We support the EU and its Member States in monitoring this international commitment.
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/beijing-platform-for-action
Recent highlights
Gender segregation in education and the labour market
Does this sound familiar: boys are better with numbers and girls are more caring? Deep-rooted stereotypes reinforce gender inequality and are an obstacle for economic growth. Our research suggests that girls and boys tend to choose subjects according to traditional gender roles.
In 2014, only 26 % of employees in the education, health and welfare sector were men. In science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations, only 14 % were women. We have seen little improvement over the past decade.
In information, communications and technology (ICT), only 17 % of employees are women. As there is a general shortage of workers with ICT and digital skills, this is a real problem for Europe. Currently in the EU, barely any teenage girls consider a future in tech. This is largely due to stereotyping. In our report on women and men in ICT, we have focused on ways to tap women’s potential in this growing sector.
We have also developed a set of good practices on how to attract women to the ICT sector and help them to develop their careers through work–life balance opportunities. A tool offering recommendations and possible solutions for companies in the ICT sector is also available. Explore and use it!
EIGE publications
- Study and work in the EU: set apart by gender (2018)
- Study in the EU: set apart by gender (2018) (factsheet)
- Work in the EU: women and men at opposite ends (2017) (factsheet)
- Women and men in ICT: a chance for better work–life balance (2018)
Gender in the digital world
The digital world provides different opportunities as well as risks for young people. These can differ for girls and boys.
Our new research will help to understand the complex relations between gender and the digital world. We will look into various digital trends that range from new ways of social and political engagement to risks, such as body shaming, sexting, cyber violence, radicalisation and fake news.
Results of this study are coming in 2018. Take a look at our website!
EIGE publications
- Youth, digitalisation and gender equality (2018) (upcoming)
- Gender equality and youth: the opportunities and risks of digitalisation (2018) (factsheet)
- Gender equality and digitalisation in the European Union (2018) (factsheet)
Beyond the EU
Strengthening ties with EU enlargement countries
EIGE has started its fourth project with the western Balkans and Turkey in our common path towards gender equality. Our focus is on improving the monitoring of gender equality in public policies, legislation and practice.
This year, EIGE is helping with the development of national gender equality indices in the region. On their way towards EU membership, EU candidates and potential candidates need to ensure that a gender perspective is incorporated into policymaking.
How else do we contribute?
Providing easily accessible data
How many women are members on the board of the public broadcaster in Portugal? What is the balance of women and men on environment-related committees in the European Parliament? Just how big is the population of women compared to men in Poland?
EIGE’s Gender Statistics Database is a hub for statistical information on gender equality across the EU. It brings together data in one interactive and easy-to-use tool. Explore the database and extract the data you need from different angles. We update our database continuously.
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-statistics/dgs
Helping Europe to communicate
Not sure which term to use? EIGE’s online glossary and thesaurus provides accurate, up-to-date definitions for key terms related to gender equality. This is how we contribute to a common understanding across the EU.
Don’t miss the first language versions available in German, English, French and Lithuanian on our website. All the translations will be available by 2020.
Our glossary is constantly evolving and changing, just as language does. Propose your updates and help it grow.
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/thesaurus
Giving access to vast resources
With over 500 000 resources, EIGE’s Resource and Documentation Centre (RDC) is a one-stop shop for gender knowledge. Access our collection of policy documents, books, articles, studies, specialised databases and more.
We work together with leading European documentation and information centres specialising in gender equality to provide this service.
Many of these resources are not available in other public libraries.
Explore: https://eige.europa.eu/library/about
Uniting experts and enthusiasts
If you seek partners for discussions or want to promote your work — EuroGender is the place to be.
EIGE’s online platform is a great way to find and share knowledge about gender equality. By signing up, you can engage with policymakers, experts and organisations active in this field from all around the EU. Find their advice and share your opinion.
Join us: http://eurogender.eige.europa.eu
Look out for more interesting research and reports coming soon from EIGE.
The White Ribbon Campaign
Antonio Tajani
President of the European Parliament
The struggle for the elimination of violence against women is a fight that each and every one of us must take part in. It is our duty to stand up for women by drawing awareness to this injustice.
Violence against women is rooted in gender inequalities. It also exists because, far too often, we, as a society and as individuals, let it continue unnoticed.
The White Ribbon Campaign is the world’s biggest campaign engaging men to combat violence against women. Men wearing the white ribbon declare that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
We invite you to take action:
- Learn about the violence and threats women face from men.
- Challenge sexist language and jokes in your workplace, school and family.
- Examine how your own attitudes and behaviour might contribute to the problem.
- Be a role model for boys. Show that being a man does not mean controlling or dominating others.
- Tell your friends and family about the campaign.
- Raise awareness about violence against women in your workplace or school.
Do it now — join our list of ambassadors: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/white-ribbon
Let’s talk
EIGE is always excited to share news and reach out to wider audiences. Keep up to date with all of EIGE’s activities online through our website and other communication channels.
All of our publications are available on the Institute’s website, via its Resource and Documentation Centre (RDC) and on the EU Bookshop.
The entrance to the RDC is located on the ground floor of our offices in Vilnius, at Vilniaus gatvė 10. The RDC is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 - 13.00 and 13:30 - 18:00.
For research purposes and detailed information, you are welcome to visit our specialised library on the fourth floor. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact the RDC at rdc@eige.europa.eu
Likewise, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
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