Briefing 
 

Women’s rights: Still a long way to go to achieve gender equality 

As the pandemic exacerbates gender inequalities, MEPs will evaluate the progress made in women’s rights over the past 25 years and the challenges ahead.

More than twenty-five years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted, MEPs will assess the progress that has been made and, above all, what remains to be done to further women’s rights and gender equality.


They are likely to point out that women in Europe and around the world still face violence, economic inequality, a lack of representation in decision-making bodies and attacks on their fundamental rights – notably in some EU countries. They are also likely to highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating gender inequalities and to call on the EU to take concrete and urgent measures.


The debate will be held on Wednesday afternoon and will conclude with a resolution to be put to the vote on Thursday.

Background

The Beijing Declaration was adopted by the UN at the end of the 4th World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995 to promulgate a set of principles on the equality of men and women. The Platform for Action called for strategic actions in a variety of areas (economy, education, health, violence, decision-making, etc.).


Procedure: Council and Commission statements, with resolution

2021/2509(RSP)

Debate: Wednesday, 10 February

Vote and result: Thursday, 11 February