Equality in the Workplace: Towards an Effective European Strategy Against Gender Discrimination

Equality between women and men is one of the fundamental principles of Community Law and, furthermore, harassment is mentioned in the national legislation of seventeen European countries. The European Union’s objectives on gender equality are to ensure equal opportunities and equal treatment for men and women to combat any form of discrimination and harassment on the grounds of gender.

Whilst issues around workplace inequalities have been acknowledged for many years, statistics continue to make disturbing reading. A 2011 European Commission report suggests the employment rate for women is 62.1%; however, it is under 50% for those in full-time employment. These figures are a long way from the 75% target suggested in the Europe 2020 Strategy. The labour market participation of mothers is 12.1% lower than women without children, while the employment rate of fathers is 8.7% higher than men without children. Furthermore, the pay gap between women and men, even if slowly narrowing, remains high.

Moreover, gender-based discrimination is prominent in many workplaces with sexual harassment, in particular, manifesting itself in different forms. According to an EU-OSHA 2011 report, 5-20% of employees are victims of harassment in the workplace, with the LGBTI population also suffering from discrimination.

Concern about the effects of workplace discrimination and harassment on the health and safety of workers has been growing over the last decade. Although, this growing concern has led to better provision of information, there is still an urgent need to improve public and practitioner awareness, and to encourage better dissemination of the proven tools and procedures to prevent and manage these occupational risks.

Whilst there have been amendments in EU Directives recently in order to improve equal treatment in employment, maternity leave and general working conditions, much more still needs to be done. Public Policy Exchange is proud to continue its equality platform with a special symposium on tackling gender-based discrimination and harassment in the workplace through exchanging best practices between leading practitioners, international organisations and major stakeholders. The Symposium will discuss effective ways to delineate an EU-wide framework for prevention and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.

Delegates will:

Share comparative knowledge on gender-based discrimination and barriers to access to work and raise awareness of current challenges in Europe
Explore innovative solutions for effective prevention, targeting the root causes of gender-based discrimination at work
Trigger and contribute to debate on current and potential policy developments in this area
Delineate a comprehensive strategy for Europe and provide recommendations for future initiatives

Key speakers:

Agnes Hubert, Adviser, Bureau of European Policy Advisers (BEPA), European Commission
Prof. Dr. Karen Celis, Department of Political Science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and member of RHEA (Centre Gender and Diversity)
Evelyn Paradis, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association for Europe (ILGA Europe), Executive Directora

Programme and other information

8. 10. 12

Zdroj: Public Policy Exchange