I was glad that both Ministers reiterated their commitment to promote gender equality, one of the fundamental values of the European Union. They also pointed out that the achievement of gender equality represents essential economic and social progress, especially in this time of crisis, when it is very important to use all the talent in society.
After stressing the initiatives already taken at European level to combat violence against women, Mr Sareen presented three main priorities of the Danish Presidency:
- Increasing women’s representation in company boardrooms
- Women and climate change
- Addressing gender segregation in education
As for the first priority, Mr Sareen recalled that although women represent 60% of university graduates, their presence on directors boards is hardly over 10%. This situation is unacceptable from a human rights perspective and economically inefficient, given that a better representation of women on boards would bring more diversity and better economic results for companies. This issue, closely followed by PES Women members, will be debated in EPSCO Council, in parallel with the European Commission’s conclusions on self-regulation to be published in March.
The second priority is really interesting in my view since it could be a way for women to get new jobs in the green sector, which is currently dominated by men. In addition, we need to reach an equal representation of women and men in decision-making in the area of climate change, also dominated by men. That is why I fully support the Danish Minister’s commitment to adopt Council contributions on this issue at EPSCO meeting in June.
Finally, the third point is as important. Boys and girls do not always have free choice in their curriculum but are instead forced to meet gender expectations. Consequently, women are overrepresented in humanities, education, health and care services and arts, but are less numerous than men in mathematics, IT and sciences, as well as in vocational education. This leads them to a smaller pool of jobs, which is less remunerated and less qualified.
Furthermore, Ms Frederiksen, Minister for Employment, underlined the importance of having more women accessing the labour market. She wants to address the gender pay gap, which is still 17% in the EU. I also welcome her engagement to break the deadlock regarding the advancement of Maternity Leave Directive. Even if she highlighted difficulties faced by the Council on this matter, she ensured her intention to defrost the dialogue and to explore further possibilities for new negotiations. As mentioned by some of my Progressive colleagues in the European Parliament, we are all ready to take part in this new cooperation process.
I am looking forward to working with my Danish progressive colleagues and friends, led by our friend, Helle Thorning-Schmidt. It is a great chance to eventually have a Social Democratic government leading Europe. We should not miss this opportunity to enhance equality, solidarity and progress for women and men across Europe.
