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Equality between women and men

The principle of equality between men and women with regard to equal pay was established in the Treaty of Rome of 1957.

Since then, a series of EU laws (directives) has broadened the principle of equality between women and men to cover working conditions, social security, access to goods and services, work-life balance, maternity protection, parental leave and equal treatment in work in a self-employed capacity.

The principle of equality as one of the EU’s fundamental values was set out in the Lisbon Treaty and, more specifically, Articles 2 and 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union, Articles 8, 10, 19, 153 and 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Articles 21 and 23 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Gender equality, as one of the 20 key principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, seeks to ensure:

  • the right to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value;
  • equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas, including in:
    • the labour market,
    • terms and conditions of employment,
    • career progression.

Over the years, the European Commission has adopted strategies for equality between men and women. The latest Gender Equality Strategy, which covers the 2020-2025 period, presents policy objectives and actions to make significant progress by 2025 towards a gender-equal Europe.

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