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HomeFemale (un)employment and work-life balance
A discussion paper from the Employment Thematic Network. Technical Dossier no.8, November 2018
Female (un)employment and work-life balance
A discussion paper from the Employment Thematic Network. Technical Dossier no.8, November 2018
Publication metadata
During the Trento conference and meeting on female (un) employment and work-life balance held on 7-9 March 2018, inequalities were once again highlighted and gave the audience a clear sense of déjà vu. Why is progress so slow? Why, despite policies promoted for so many years, does gender equality still seem so far from being achieved? What can be done to improve the situation? The objective of this paper is, after taking a snapshot of the policy context, to first give an updated overview of the different situations of men and women in the labour market, focusing on some key issues: participation (considering the EU target of 75% labour market participation by 2020), conditions of participation, and the possibility of combining work and private responsibilities. Regarding the latter aspect, it should be emphasised that this is not just about parenting and childcare but all care responsibilities (for elderly, ill or handicapped relatives). The EU is aware of the urgency of adapting the labour market to new demands from workers as well as employers for more flexible forms of work. However, work organisation has not all evolved in this way; the assumption that the “ideal worker” is free from any responsibilities other than work is still current, and women take on the bulk of family-related tasks while still being active in the labour-market. This is why the A new start to support work-life balance for parents and carers initiative is crucial in addressing the challenges of work-life balance that working parents and families face. Its aim is to change and modernise the legal and policy framework as well as work organisation to allow workers to better balance their care and professional responsibilities. This paper will also examine what the contribution of the Structural and Investment Funds – and especially the ESF – can be, in terms of both female employment and worklife balance initiatives. It will present some interesting practices financed by the ESF or public authorities, which are addressing key issues relating to a more gender-equal and sensitive labour market, but also highlight some challenges. The report concludes with some recommendations on how current and future European funds can better support female employment and gender equality through fighting gender stereotypes and gender segregation, changing the prevalent working culture, providing high-quality and affordable care solutions, and supporting women in specific situations such as victims of domestic violence.
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission)
- Personal author(s): Wuiame, Nathalie ; Johnson, Toby
- Themes: Labour market — Free movement of workers , Social problems
- Subject: employment policy , female unemployment , labour market , organisation of work , participation of women , position of women , quality of life , sexual discrimination , working life , working time
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| ISSN 2467-3153 | ISBN 978-92-79-97225-6 | DOI 10.2767/022588 | Catalogue number KE-PB-18-005-EN-N |
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| ISSN 2467-3145 | ISBN 978-92-79-97226-3 | DOI 10.2767/701480 | Catalogue number KE-PB-18-005-EN-C |
- Released on EU Publications:
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