A new PES Network study has found that existing good practice among Europe’s Public Employment Services could inspire gender equality to be more strongly embedded in the mandates of many PES.

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The study ‘PES approaches to the promotion of gender equality’ examines the current ‘state of the art’ and scope for further PES action regarding gender equality – including in terms of gender equality objectives and targets, national strategies, and the promotion of gender equality in everyday PES activities.

The main findings of the study show that while all Public Employment Services (PES) address gender equality issues on the labour market, less than half have a gender equality strategy across all aspects of their activity.

Nevertheless, “PES are in a particularly good position to adopt strategies furthering several objectives of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, namely eliminating violence and stereotypes, thriving in a gender-neutral economy, and adopting gender mainstreaming.”

To support the role of PES as key actors for promoting gender equality on the labour market, the study highlights existing good/promising practices from PES across Europe – on topics including: gender stereotyping; work-life balance; women in vulnerable positions; women returners; and gender mainstreaming.

This study is based on information obtained through a PES Network questionnaire to which 28 Network members responded.

Read the study to find out more details of the findings and how PES can positively intervene within each of the themes!

Interested to know more? Take part in the PES Network Webinar on PES approaches to the promotion of gender equality to be held on 2 February 2021.