European Commission presents roadmap to strengthen women's rights
The European Commission on Friday proposed a plan to strengthen women's rights in the European Union. At a time when the United States is taking a step backwards on equality and diversity, the Commission wants to avoid being "on the wrong side of progress", said Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality.
The roadmap sets out eight long-term objectives to guide European policy on gender equality. The document builds on the Commission's 2020-2025 strategy and paves the way for the future strategy to be in place by 2026.
The first goal is to eradicate gender-based violence, including domestic violence and feminicide. By 2025, one in three women in the EU will have experienced physical or sexual violence, Lahbib said. Gender-based violence is a "poison" with an estimated societal cost of 290 billion euros a year, she told a press conference.
Healthcare and equal pay
The plan also highlights inequalities in health care. "Women still die of heart attacks more often than men," Lahbib said. "Not because their bodies are weaker, but because research prioritises men."
Equal pay is another objective. Women are still not paid the same as men for the same work, said Lahbib. In 2025, they earn on average 12 per cent less than their male colleagues. This is slightly better than last year, but still not "fair", according to the Belgian European Commissioner.
Backsliding in US
Lahbib also mentioned the presence of women in politics. Only 28 of the world's 200 heads of state are women. At this rate, she said, it will take another hundred years before there is a balance in politics.
Responding to questions from the press, Lahbib also expressed her concern about the backsliding in the United States on diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives, in particular the cancellation of scientific research programmes on women and gender.
The EU regrets this setback on the other side of the Atlantic, said Lahbib. The new roadmap should ensure that the EU is "not on the wrong side of progress", she said.
Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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