Gender inequalities in the labour market

Reassessing gender inequalities in the labour market: putting rights into practice through policies with leverage

At the turn of the 21^st century, a gender analysis of labour markets reveals a number of paradoxes, contrasts and contradictions. Considering that the unprecedented transformations of female employment have not prevented the persistence of inequalities on the basis of gender in the world of work, this policy breakfast session will address how the COVID-19 crisis has had a magnifying glass effect on these imbalances whilst assessing the root causes of the phenomenon.

In light of the solid legal basis for the EU to ensure gender equality, especially in the domain of employment, participants discussed the favourable opportunities arising from recent policy developments offering progressive answers to old forms of inequalities (gender pay gaps, labour market gender segregation, career differences) as well as new ones (women’s overrepresentation in unemployment, underemployment or part-time work).

Speakers:

• Sophie Jacquot, Professor of political science, Université Saint-Louis of Brussels and researcher, CReSPo & IEE
• Laeticia Thissen, FEPS Policy Analyst on Gender Equality
• Moderator: David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy

About the Employment Policy Breakfast Series – The Employment We Want

In this series of policy breakfast meetings, European experts and policy-makers presented potential policy solutions to tackle diverse aspects pertaining to employment. Discussants were invited to comment on the current state of play and policy development, and then the floor will be open for interactions from the audience to challenge and strengthen the proposals.

Labour markets are changing and we need a very diligent public sector to avoid the quality and quantity of jobs being compromised further.
What are the initiatives that can be taken? There are plenty!
In this Policy Breakfast Series on “The Employment We Want” we focus on four policies that could help shape a European employment agenda in the near future:

• An EU initiative for Zero Unemployment Territories – 8 September 
• Workers Data Rights – 13 September 
• Skills for a Green Recovery – 15 September 
• Gender Inequalities in the labour market – 20 September