The European Commission has unveiled its ‘roadmap to strengthen women’s rights’. Its Communication reflects on the progress made since launching the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and outlines the priorities for the years ahead.
While important steps forward have been taken, the Communication emphasizes that gender gaps persist – particularly in leadership roles, pay equity and protection against gender-based violence. The EU sees gender equality not only as a matter of fairness but as essential for economic growth and democratic resilience.
Over the past few years, several key milestones have been reached. The adoption of the Directive on gender balance in corporate boards in 2022 was a major breakthrough, requiring large listed companies to ensure women make up at least 40% of supervisory boards. This is helping to break long-standing barriers to women’s leadership. Progress has also been made in supporting work-life balance through new rights for parents and carers, designed to make it easier – especially for women – to remain in the workforce while managing family responsibilities.
Another major achievement has been the launch of the European Care Strategy, which aims to improve access to quality care services, such as childcare and eldercare. This supports both economic participation and well-being, particularly for women who still shoulder most caregiving duties.
Additionally, the Commission has been actively working to shift cultural attitudes through its #EndGenderStereotypes campaign, which challenges limiting gender norms in areas like education, work and family life. A significant step in protecting women’s safety was the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention in 2023, reinforcing its commitment to combating gender-based violence.
The Communication calls for:
- Strengthen and enforce legislation
Member States are encouraged to fully implement EU directives, particularly regarding gender balance in leadership, equal pay and protection against violence. Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms must be robust to ensure compliance. - Promote work-life balance policies
The Commission urges national governments and employers to enhance access to flexible work arrangements, paid leave and affordable, quality care services, making it easier for women and men to share caregiving roles equally. - Challenge gender stereotypes
Beyond laws, cultural attitudes must shift. Ongoing public campaigns, education reforms and media guidelines are needed to dismantle outdated gender norms that limit individuals’ opportunities. - Combat gender-based violence
Full application of the Istanbul Convention should be a priority. This includes providing comprehensive support services for survivors, ensuring effective law enforcement and funding prevention programmes. - Improve gender data collection
High-quality, sex-disaggregated data is vital for understanding gaps and tracking progress. The Commission calls for enhanced data systems to inform evidence-based policymaking. - Increase women’s participation in leadership
Further initiatives should support women’s advancement in politics, business, science, and technology through mentoring programs, quotas, and targeted funding.
