Women’s Day is an occasion to reflect on the progress made over the years when it comes to women. It is a day to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in their countries and communities. But it is also a chance to call for change where it is still needed. The world has indeed made remarkable developments, and yet, no country has achieved gender equality.
Despite the progress made, women are still targets of gender-based violence, harassment and hate speech everywhere, including online where they face insults, threats and disclosure of private images. Gender stereotypes can also lead to discrimination behaviours. Many women are still confronted with barriers in their efforts to thrive, and face obstacles in accessing leadership roles in politics, in companies and in their communities.
The numbers are telling: within the EU,
- One in three women was subject to physical and/or sexual violence,
- Even though more women graduate from universities, they earn on average 16% less than men do,
- Only 8% of CEO’s of the EU’s largest companies are women.
“This is not what our Union stands for. Everyone, regardless of his or her gender, should be able to live free from violence and pursue his or her chosen path in life,” the EU stresses in its statement to mark Women’s Day. “We need a change and the moment is now.” Read more
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European Union