Stereotypes start early and run deep.
They shape what girls and boys study, the careers they pursue, and even how they share care at home. They also fuel violence and limit everyone’s potential to thrive.
Women dominate early childhood education roles
95% of early childhood teachers in the EU are women, reinforcing the idea that caregiving and teaching are primarily female roles from the very start of life.
EIGE recommendations
- Make dismantling stereotypes a key part of the post-2025 Gender Equality Strategy.
- Support women in STEM and politics, and encourage men in care roles.
Women shoulder a heavier load of childcare
43% of women with children spend five hours a day on childcare, compared with 20% of men. This unequal intensity of unpaid care reflects deep‑rooted gender norms. It reduces women’s time for paid work and leisure, while also limiting men’s opportunities to engage more fully in care and family life.
EIGE recommendations
- Invest in quality, accessible and affordable care services.
- Implement the Work-Life Balance Directive and European Care Strategy.
Awareness of gender-based violence is rising, but tolerance for it remains high
15% of young men think it is acceptable for a man to slap his partner. 38% say it is okay to monitor a partner's social activities or relationships.
EIGE recommendations
- Train educators to spot and counter gender bias.
- Run classes on media literacy to help students challenge gender stereotypes.
