This International Women’s Day, EIGE is calling on everyone to step forward and help #AccelerateAction for gender equality.
At the current rate of progress, it will take more or less 60 years from now for Europe to reach full gender equality. That’s far too long. And has been for too long.
We must act now.
“It’s unacceptable that we have to wait decades for full equality,” says EIGE Director Carlien Scheele. “Our data and research provide clear evidence of where gaps remain and what needs to be done to close them.
“This International Women’s Day, we are calling on policymakers, businesses, and individuals to step up and #AccelerateAction—because equality cannot wait.”
Accelerate action
As the EU’s agency for gender equality, we will mark International Women’s Day by highlighting key areas where action is needed. These include:
- Closing gender gaps;
- Tackling gender-based violence;
- Promoting inclusivity;
- And expanding opportunities.
Each of these themes is explored in our mini video series, where EIGE experts break down how we can drive real change together. And ensure that progress happens quickly.
Closing gender gaps
Progress is happening. But gender gaps persist in many areas of life. The 2024 Gender Equality Index shows that the path to true equality remains fragile.
At work, the most extreme gaps occur among couples with children, reinforcing the need for policies that support work-life balance and equal opportunities.
The long-term impact of income gaps and an unequal distribution of care responsibilities contribute to a 26% gender pension gap. This puts older women at a higher risk of poverty.
In decision-making roles, gender inequalities are stark, particularly in economic leadership positions. Without concerted effort, these disparities will continue to undermine progress.
Tackling gender-based violence
Violence against women remains one of the most pressing and disturbing human rights violations in Europe today.
One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, yet only one in eight reports these incidents to the police.
This reflects the urgent need for stronger victim support mechanisms and proactive policies that place the rights and well-being of survivors at the core.
We commit to raising awareness through data storytelling and hope-based solutions, urging EU Member States to take decisive action.
No woman or girl should live in fear—safety and justice must be ensured for all.
Promoting inclusivity
Achieving equality is not just about closing gender gaps, it’s about creating an inclusive world where everyone is represented.
The words we use have a huge impact. We should choose them carefully. Unconscious biases and gender stereotypes shape the way we think and act.
Breaking these biases requires a commitment to inclusive language. Inclusivity extends to digital and physical spaces.
EIGE commits to using clear, gender-sensitive language. And we offer practical tools to help individuals and organisations promote inclusivity in their communication.
Seizing opportunities
The demand for childcare and long-term care is increasing, yet the burden of unpaid care work still falls disproportionately on women.
Affordable and available care services have been proven to be among the most effective solutions for reducing gender inequalities in employment.
Additionally, gender segregation in the labour market persists, particularly in fields like ICT, STEM, healthcare, and education.
Structural barriers such as these continue to limit women’s economic and professional opportunities. Addressing this will allow us to meet Europe’s growing demand for skills and talent.
Research shows that increasing women’s participation in the labor force could create up to six million new jobs by 2050—a massive opportunity for economic growth and stability.
Why we must act now
This year’s International Women’s Day is an opportunity to accelerate action. Delays mean lost opportunities, persistent inequalities, and continued disadvantages for women and girls.
The EU has this week launched its Roadmap for Women’s Rights, providing a strategic framework for achieving gender equality across Europe.
Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality says that:
Gender equality is not up for debate — it should be as natural as the air we breathe. The EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights is our guiding light for a world where women and girls can lead, thrive and live up to their full potential, free from violence and discrimination.
Meanwhile, EIGE is soon to release its sixth horizontal EU-wide review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the EU, outlining the key successes and ongoing challenges to gender equality.
This report will show how addressing these challenges is vital for economic growth, democracy, and social cohesion. Here’s a snapshot of some problems we’ve identified and the solutions to overcome them.
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Problem
The EU’s fast-growing tech sector faces a critical shortage of skilled specialists, making gender equality essential to meet the demand.
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Solution
Policies to mitigate gender biases in AI applications in workplaces, education and social media algorithms are crucial to counter engrained and harmful gender stereotypes.
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Problem
Traditional perceptions of masculinity and rigid gender norms affect the health, well-being and opportunities of both women and girls, as well as men and boys.
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Solution
By challenging toxic masculinities, we can create opportunities for men to embrace care roles, stand against gender-based violence and promote gender equality to foster a more inclusive and democratic EU.
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Problem
Women in the EU continue to be at greater risk of poverty or social exclusion than men.
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Solution
Enhancing carers’ access to employment and closing the gender pay gap can help women, men, and their families achieve a better and more secure living conditions and be less vulnerable to rising housing costs.
But our report(s) alone won’t shift the dial. Real change requires collective effort.
We need policymakers, business leaders, activists, and individuals to take bold steps in driving equality forward. Because when we accelerate action, we accelerate progress for everyone.
Share our International Women’s Day videos with your network to help build a coalition for change. Let’s not wait. Let’s act now.
