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European Year of Skills

Plugging gender gaps in the labour market

Long-standing gender inequalities continue to present challenges for women’s participation in the labour market.

The EU 2030 headline targets from the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, of at least 78% of adults employed and 60% participating in training every year, require significant effort to remove hurdles and promote the participation of women in the labour market.

The situation

Only 67.7% of women in the EU are employed, compared to 78.5% of men, despite higher formal educational attainment

Men and women usually spend similar time on education and training. However, in Sweden (+12%), Denmark (+7%), and Finland (+7%),  women invest more time

Only 7.5% of board chairs and 7.7% of CEOs in the EU are women

75% of unpaid care and domestic work is done by women

Untapped potential: women are underrepresented in key sectors for the green and digital transitions

wind turbine with figure 33%

33% in renewable energy

brain, icb with figure less than 20%

<20% of ICT specialists

STEM illustration with figure 34%

34% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates

EU funds available

figure 99 billoin euros

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) provides funding opportunities focused on upskilling and reskilling of women.

figure 80.6 billion euros

The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) requires Member States to promote gender equality to access funding.

figure 26.2 billion euros

Erasmus+ allocates funding for education and training initiatives.

figure 95.5 billion euros

Horizon Europe funds projects, among others, aiming to advance gender equality in research and innovation.