European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
gender balance
European Parliament Plenary Session – October I 2020
Despite Parliament’s efforts to return to Strasbourg for its plenary sessions, the first session of October will again take place in Brussels, to avoid hundreds of people travelling to France during the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
Women in parliaments
This ‘Women in parliaments’ infographic provides information on the proportion of women in national parliaments, compares representation of women in national parliaments with their numbers in the European Parliament and shows the number of women in the EP by political group. Continue reading
Women and education in the EU
Written by Ulla Jurviste, Martina Prpic, Eulalia Claros Gender equality in education is guaranteed by law in EU Member States, so the issues are far more complex than simply that of gaining access to education for girls, as remains the problem in many developing countries. Yet despite the legal equality in the EU, inequalities persist … Continue reading
The road to gender equality: achievements and challenges
Written by Rosamund Shreeves, With its roots in early 20th century women’s activism and subsequent take-up by the United Nations, International Women’s Day is a moment for putting the spotlight on women’s achievements and taking stock of progress towards gender equality. From this perspective, 2015 is a pivotal year. At a global level, it marks … Continue reading
European Parliament: Facts and Figures
Written by Giulio Sabbati, Updated on 25.10.2019 This Briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, is designed to provide key facts and figures about the European Parliament, both in the 2019 to 2024 parliamentary term now starting – and in the eight previous terms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. On the … Continue reading
50/50 formula – gender balance
Equality between women and men is one of the European Union’s main values and reaches back to 1957 when the principle of equal pay for equal work became part of the Treaty of Rome. The European Union’s efforts in fostering gender balance have helped to change the lives of many Europeans for the better. Although … Continue reading
Female Political Representation – the use of Electoral Gender Quotas
Written by Irene Hennigan In almost 100 countries throughout the world, parties and parliaments have responded to growing national and international pressure to increase women’s political representation by introducing electoral gender quotas. Those in favour of gender quotas believe it is an effective tool for ‘fast tracking’ the achievement of gender balance in political institutions, … Continue reading
Women in politics, business and public administration in the EU
The EU-28 average share of women occupying ministerial positions in national politics reached 25% in 2013, increasing from 19% in 2005. Furthermore in 2013, women represent 32% of the College in the European Commission. For most countries, women’s presence in the European Parliament is higher than in national assemblies. The EU-28 share of female members … Continue reading
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