Follow us

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
8 Mar, 2021

How to reach gender equality in care and pay in the EU? #IWD2021

Gender equality in care and pay in Europe has always been a slow-paced struggle. However, faced with an unprecedented challenge such as the Covid-19 pandemic, unequal structures have even more intensified where women are once again those carrying the greatest burden of families and society. On this International Women’s Day, COFACE Families Europe is therefore bringing into focus gender inequality in care and pay through a European expert seminar taking place tomorrow, 9th March from 9.15-11.15 CET.

Different reports have stated that during the pandemic of Covid-19 the gender care gap is on the increase, with women taking up a disproportionate share of additional household and caring tasks, despite the fact that many men have been teleworking as well. Women have also been hit harder economically than men. This policy and advocacy session on gender inequalities is not only needed to shine a light on Covid-19 related circumstances, but is set in a crucial moment of social developments within the EU. The session comes after a year of the adoption of the European Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy (GES), a few months after the EPSCO Council adopted conclusions and guidelines aiming at closing the care gap, and the European Parliament voted its own report on the GES.

How to reach gender equality in care and pay in the EU? The 2020 German Presidency of the EU invited the European Institute of Gender Equality (EIGE) to provide a report which emphasises with robust data, findings and policy recommendations why care is key to tackle the roots of gender inequalities. EIGE’s report will be presented tomorrow at the study session together with the German Presidency Council Conclusions on tackling the gender pay gap that were agreed last December 2020: Valuation and Distribution of Paid Work and Unpaid Care Work.

After setting the scene with the two keynote presentations from the European Institute for Gender Equality and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, a discussion will follow. Stakeholders from different backgrounds (researchers, policy makers, industry, civil organisations) are invited to join to analyse how to tackle different gender gaps (care and pay), exchange good practices and challenges, and build bridges within the different parties involved.

The Emperor Penguin is a perfect example that nature provides us of gender equality and co-responsibility. The Emperor Penguin tackles as well the stereotypical vision of “traditional” and old-fashioned distributions of roles, where women are caregivers and men are the breadwinners, just as COFACE Families Europe has always been promoting, and is highlighting on such a historic day as today on International Women’s Day!

Spread the word, and continue the discussion with our social media communities!

Full programme here.

Related Posts

Media Releases
Time for a game-changing EU Gender Equality Strategy post-2025

Time for a game-changing EU Gender Equality Strategy post-2025

International Women’s Rights Day 2025 takes place at a pivotal moment for the European Union. The EU’s current Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 is concluding this year and following this, a new strategy is to be launched in 2026. This transition offers an opportunity to set new priorities and intensify efforts towards inclusion, equity, and support for women. COFACE will continue to push for an ambitious new strategy with flagship initiatives focusing on closing the gender care gap, and in general on addressing the intersections of gender equality and family well-being.

Read More

Media Releases
COFACE launches its revised Digitalisation Principles: Creating a better Internet and web for children and their families

COFACE launches its revised Digitalisation Principles: Creating a better Internet and web for children and their families

On this Safer Internet Day, COFACE Families Europe launches its revised Digitalisation Principles and calls on the European Union for a strong implementation and enforcement of EU digital policies and laws, with these 14 principles in mind. COFACE Families Europe aims to ensure that digitalisation and new technological developments support all families and respect the rights of all children. 

Read More

Media Releases
A younger woman standing behind an older woman, both smiling as they look at a digital tablet together.
Building a stronger framework for the rights of persons with disabilities and their families for the next five years 

Building a stronger framework for the rights of persons with disabilities and their families for the next five years 

The 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place at a pivotal moment for the European Union. As a new College of Commissioners is forming, the EU is concluding the first phase of its European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021–2030). This transition offers an opportunity to set new priorities and intensify efforts towards inclusion, equity, and support for persons with disabilities and their families.

Read More