First Vice President to the European Parliament explained that the EU’s plan largely includes a Gender Equality Strategy for 2020-2025, which was approved through a Parliament resolution in January 2021.

It looks to address major hurdles facing women, like gender-based violence, persisting stereotypes, gender pay gaps, uneven work opportunities and getting more women into decision-making roles.

Another fundamental instrument to support women in the bloc is the Work-Life Balance Directive, MEP Josianne Cutajar explained.

It’s a plan to provide flexible work arrangements for women, paternity leave and ensuring that men shoulder some of the family unit’s unpaid care work.

With the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic providing yet another barrier to gender equality, measures like these have never been so crucial.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Ewropej, to learn about how the European Parliament is addressing issues that affect us all. You can watch the first episode, on the Right to Disconnect, here. 

This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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