\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen work easy jobs, that\u2019s why they earn less.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen don\u2019t want careers, they want to take care of children.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMen are better leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve all heard these phrases. And while it\u2019s true that some women do prioritise family over career, those who don\u2019t still face barriers to high-paying jobs.<\/p>\n
From an early age, girls are complimented on their appearance, and boys for what they can do. Girls get dolls and princess outfits, boys get science kits and superhero t-shirts. Society subtly steers girls towards careers in care, health, and education<\/strong> \u2013 sectors that are undervalued and lower-paying<\/strong>. This contributes to around 24%\u00a0of the gender pay gap.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, many women pursue their passions, even in fields traditionally dominated by men. Take Maria. She and her friend Alex studied civil engineering and graduated at the top of their class. They secured highly competitive internships and worked equally hard to build strong references. Then came the job market:<\/p>\n The story of Maria and Alex is fictional, but this is a reality for many women across the EU. While there are several reasons why women still earn less than men<\/a>, among them are a complex mix of structural, societal, and discriminatory factors.<\/p>\n Imagine working from today until the end of the year and not getting paid. With the EU gender pay gap currently at 12%<\/strong>, women symbolically stop earning on 17 November. If progress continues at the current pace, the gap might not close for decades. Will future generations look back and wonder, \u201cHow could they have let that continue?\u201d in the same way we now look back at the time when women couldn\u2019t vote?<\/p>\n Closing the gender pay gap and achieving gender equality isn\u2019t just about fairness; it\u2019s about reducing poverty<\/strong>, unlocking potential,<\/strong> and strengthening the economy<\/strong>. On this occasion, Executive Vice-President M\u00eenzatu and Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the EU\u2019s commitment to a Union of Equality<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>The Commission continues working to close this gap through new legislation<\/a> such as directives on\u00a0equal pay<\/strong>, work-life balance<\/strong>, gender balance in corporate boards<\/strong>, and pay transparency<\/strong>, among others.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n For more information<\/strong><\/p>\n Statement on European Equal Pay Day<\/a><\/p>\n Equal Pay Day<\/a><\/p>\n Roadmap for Women\u2019s Rights<\/a><\/p>\n Eurostat study on Gender pay gaps in the EU\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n