On 21 March 2013 150 European company representatives will meet in Brussels and exchange their ideas on strategies to better access the labour force potential of women by increasing gender equality and thereby contributing to a reduction of the gender pay gap. Selected companies will showcase their activities, results and experience of tapping into the female talent pool more effectively.
The Forum was a one-day event structured around three panels. The first panel focused on the contribution of gender equality to economic growth; the second one looked at gender equality from a business angle; and the third panel debated ways to address gender stereotypes. The findings of the new OECD report were released on the day of the event.
The Council of EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Ministers will meet on 7 March in Brussels. The European Commission will be represented by László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, and Vice-President Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Justice. This Council also prepares the Spring European Council later in March.
To raise awareness of the existence of the gender pay gap, the European Commission is launching a European Equal Pay Day (EEPD) which will become an annual event across Europe. As it develops the EEPD will provide a focus for activities to raise awareness of the gender pay gap and the need to take action to close it.
On the basis of new figures published today, the Commission will have an exchange of views with companies and social partners to see what measures they have taken and intend to take in the near future to improve the gender balance in board rooms. Over the next 12 months, the Commission will closely monitor progress. After that period, the Commission will assess whether further measures are required.
The Commission adopted a five-year strategy for promoting equality between women and men in Europe. The strategy aims in particular to make better use of women's potential, thereby contributing to the EU's overall economic and social goals.
On May 5 2010 the results of a European study - commissioned by DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities - investigating initiatives such as prizes, awards, labels, charters, rankings etc. targeted at promoting gender equality in businesses and organisations were presented.
The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) opened its doors in Vilnius on 16 December 2009. The EIGE's Management Board, the Institute's decision-making body, also held its last official meeting of 2009 in Vilnius. On 17 December, stakeholders, NGOs and members of the general public interested in the EIGE's activities met the EIGE's Management Board.
The European Commission has launched an EU-wide campaign to help tackle the gender pay gap. Across the EU economy, women earn on average 17.4% less than men. The simple concept of 'equal pay for work of equal value' is at the heart of the campaign being launched in the context of International Women's Day on 8 March to raise awareness of the pay gap, its causes, and how to tackle it.