Our 2025 report provides a comprehensive review of the 12 critical areas of concern

Scroll down for a brief introduction to how far we've come in key gender equality issues.

A. Women and Poverty

Poverty affects women in complex and intersecting ways. From unpaid care burdens to housing insecurity, the gender gap is real and persisting.  

But the data we have at the moment still doesn’t capture the full picture. It’s not just about low income.  

To overcome systemic barriers that disproportionately affect women in poverty, we need to see gender-responsive policies and better data to address the root causes of ongoing challenges.  

Fighting poverty needs to be tackled with gender specific approaches, taking stock of the multiple, interconnected inequalities which women face every single day. 

Read more in our report (p. 39)

B. Education and training of women 

Education is a powerful lever to advance gender equality and empower girls and women to participate in all areas of life.  

But they are still confronted by gender bias and gender stereotypes which not only limit their access but also their full potential.  

This underrepresentation limits opportunities for women in high-growth and innovative sectors, further reinforcing gender gaps in the labour market and leadership roles.  

We need to see equal access into education and training of women through gender-sensitive teaching and create inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environments.  

Read more in our report (p. 37)

C. Women and health 

Access to health is a right for everyone. For women and girls, it’s a foundation for gender equality and autonomy. 

From mental well-being to sexual and reproductive rights, maternal care and healthy ageing, women’s health matters at every stage of life and directly shapes their participation in society. 

But, across the EU, gaps persist – for both patients and the women working on the frontlines of our health systems. 

 With smarter policies and tech that reflect women’s needs, we can build health systems that work for everyone. 

Read more in our report (p. 56)

D. Violence against women 

Violence against women is a human rights crisis – rooted in gender inequality and sustained by silence, stigma, underreporting, and victim-blaming. It cuts across all ages, backgrounds, and borders, affecting 1 in 3 women across the EU. 

To end violence against women once and for all, we need bold legislation, properly enforced laws, strong and accessible survivor support, and cultural change. 

Real progress means naming all forms of violence – including psychological, economic, online, and intimate partner abuse – tackling impunity, and ensuring every survivor has access to justice, care, and the protection they deserve. 

Read more in our report (p. 67)

E. Women and armed conflict  

In the face of today’s ongoing wars, rising militarisation, and forced displacement, gender equality is too often treated as an afterthought in peace, security, and humanitarian efforts.

Yet conflict affects women and men differently – and without women’s voices, needs, and leadership fully represented, responses fall short, and peace is less sustainable.

Strengthening national action plans, ensuring the meaningful participation of women in peace processes, and fully integrating gender into EU foreign and security policies is not just right – it’s essential to building lasting peace and resilience. 

Read more in our report (p. 77)

F. Women and the economy  

Women are still underrepresented in many parts of the economy – especially in fast-growing, high-impact sectors like technology, energy, and transport. 

Gender gaps in pay, leadership, and access to opportunities persist across all levels and sectors, holding women back, reducing competitiveness, and stalls social progress.

With fairer policies, stronger enforcement of equality legislation, better work-life balance measures, and concrete commitment from both governments and businesses, we can build a more inclusive and resilient economy where women’s skills, contributions, and leadership are fully recognised and rewarded.

Read more in our report (p. 86)

G. Women in power and decision-making  

Leadership should reflect the diversity of society – but women remain underrepresented in top roles across politics, business, the judiciary, academia, and the media.  

The pace of progress is far too slow, and setbacks are all too common. 

Equal power and influence in decision-making at all levels is not just a matter of fairness, it leads to more inclusive, democratic outcomes that better serve everyone. 

With bold quotas, inclusive institutional policies, and a shift in political and workplace cultures, we can break persistent gender stereotypes, tackle backlash, and ensure women have a voice wherever decisions are made. 

Read more in our report (p. 95)

H. Institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women 

Institutions play a pivotal role in driving gender equality but many still struggle to deliver lasting change without the right tools, action plans, reliable data, or adequate funding. 

When gender equality bodies are properly resourced, supported by strong political commitment, and empowered with clear mandates and innovative digital solutions, they can embed the gender perspective across all policies and decision-making processes.

Strong, well-coordinated institutional mechanisms are essential if we want progress on gender equality to be both meaningful and sustainable. 

Read more in our report (p. 104)

I. Human rights of women  

Women’s rights are human rights – but right now, they’re under increasing attack across Europe and beyond. From rising anti-gender movements to shrinking civic space, hard-won gains are being rolled back or deliberately undermined. 

To safeguard these rights, we need a stronger, coordinated push to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights, uphold anti-discrimination laws, and ensure democratic systems are truly inclusive and representative. 

Without exception and without compromise. 

Read more in our report (p. 114)

J. Women and the media  

The media holds immense power to shape how we understand the world and each other. 

But when women are missing, misrepresented, stereotyped, or silenced, it reinforces harmful norms and distorts reality.

From newsrooms to film sets, social media platforms to advertising agencies, bias, underrepresentation, and even online violence continue to limit women’s voices and influence.

To shift this, we need urgent action to promote media literacy, tackle gender bias, and ensure inclusive, equitable representation across all formats.

Read more in our report (p. 122)

K. Women and the environment  

Women are critical actors for climate action – bringing unique knowledge, leadership, and resilience to environmental solutions.  

Yet they are too often excluded from key decisions that shape climate, energy, and sustainability policies. 

For a sustainable future, the green transition must also be a just transition – one that integrates gender equality at every level and ensures that climate policies include, reflect, and benefit everyone, equally. 

Read more in our report (p. 129)

L. The girl child  

Gender stereotypes and gender biases start to form from an early age – so we need to tackle them from the outset. Because if left unchecked, they can negatively shape how girls and boys see themselves and influence who and what they believe they can become. 

Girls are often steered away from leadership, science, sports, or speaking up – while boys may be discouraged from showing vulnerability or choosing care-related paths. These early influences have lifelong impacts.

By empowering educators, engaging parents, and encouraging open conversations among the youth, we can break these systemic barriers and build a more equal future from the classroom up.

Read more in our report (p. 138)

More on the Beijing Platform for Action

EIGE's publications on the BPfA and its 12 critical areas