17 Nov 2026
This landmark session will provide the situational backdrop for all discussions at the Forum. We will present the latest evidence on where the EU and Member States stand on their path to gender equality. Experts will identify the gaps and gains by assessing the key trends emerging from the results.
Speakers
Europe runs on care – but much of the work that sustains it, mostly performed by women, remains unpaid, unseen and uncounted. When care falls short, what are the consequences for people, businesses and Europe’s economy – and where can investment make the greatest difference? Grounded in EIGE’s Gender Equality Index and latest CARE Survey, this conversation will explore what...
Speakers
Building on the preceding panel’s exploration of the situation on the ground and what needs to change, this hybrid World Café workshop will open the conversation to all Forum participants. It will offer participants space to bring in their own experiences, perspectives and ideas on making care one of Europe’s engines for economic growth, social wellbeing and gender equality.
Speakers
How jobs are valued influences who gets paid what, whose skills are recognised and how gender inequalities persist in the labour market. This practical session will introduce the EU-wide guidelines on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification: step-by-step toolkit. The session will show how to use the toolkit to identify and address gender bias in job evaluation and pay structures, and to advance...
Speakers
Europe’s economies depend on care, social services and equality, yet these are still too often treated as expenditure rather than investment. This workshop will challenge narrow definitions of economic value and explore how social rights and lived inequalities shape labour market participation, sustainable wellbeing and long-term economic performance. Drawing on Social Platform’s SWINS project, the European Women’s Lobby’s work on...
Speakers
AI, digitalisation and the green transition are transforming work and intensifying Europe’s demand for new skills. Yet women remain underrepresented in many of the sectors shaping Europe’s future. Gender stereotypes continue to steer girls away from digital and STEM pathways, while women face barriers to entering, remaining and advancing in these fields. Career breaks can make returning harder just as...
Speakers
Europe needs a broader and more adaptable skills base to power its future. Yet talent remains underused across the labour market – from too few women in tech to too few men in care – while unequal access to lifelong learning and persistent gender stereotypes continue to shape people’s choices and opportunities. In this in-person World Café workshop, together with...
Speakers
Europe has adopted new rules, including on boardroom gender balance, and the economic case for gender equality is well established. The test now is delivery: whether these measures change who leads, how people are paid and where capital flows – and whether they strengthen businesses, innovation and growth. Starting with EIGE’s evidence, this conversation will move beyond the business case...
Speakers
Women-led start-ups are an underused source of innovation, jobs and sustainable growth. Yet turning an idea into a viable business brings challenges, including access to funding, that can limit both their potential and their contribution to Europe’s competitiveness. Through two founders’ journeys, this fireside chat will explore the opportunities, challenges and lessons involved in building businesses that contribute to a...
Speakers
Continuing a tradition established at the previous Forum, youth participants share their perspectives on the way ahead. Closing remarks from EIGE Director Carlien Scheele bring the day’s discussions together and look towards next steps.