Reconciliation policies:recent developments at EU

level

Conference on "towards a better work-life balance" EESC 24 September 2014

Muriel Bissières, European Commission DG JusticeGender Equality Unit

 

Male and female employment rates

Since 2000 the female employment rate has increased thanks to targeted policies. The gender employment gap shrank as a direct consequence of the economic crisis which affected particularly male dominated sectors.

•The share of men working part-time is small (8%), whereas almost a third of employed women across Europe work part-time (32%)

Reconciliation in support to key policy objectives

• Sustainable growth and employment

• Gender equality

• Demographic renewal

• Social inclusion

Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015

Reconciliation between work and private life, a global approach :

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Monitoring legislation

• Revised parental leave directive

• Maternity leave directive

• Working time directive

Promoting gender equality in the EU2020 strategy : 2014 European Semester: CSRs related to female labour market participation for 14 MS

Reviewing the EU2020 strategy : a gender equality pillar ?

Council conclusions of 19 June 2014 on "Women and the economy: Economic independence from the perspective of part-time work and self-employment"

• 3,2billions euros for childcare 2007-2013

• Encouraging developments in - Hungary

- Poland- Maltawith the contribution of the European Structural and Investment Funds

Encouraging use of the structural funds

The use of structural funds : examples

• Development of childcare services for children under 3 in Hungary 32 billion HUF(~106 million EUR) co-financed by ERDF 2007- 2014 + 4,8 billion HUF (16 million EUR) co-financed by ESF 2012- 2015.

• Counselling service to offer made-to-measure solutions for young mothers looking for work in France € 82 610 co-financed by ESF 2007- 2010.

• Creation of school places and new jobs by social cooperatives in Italy co-financed by ESF.

Monitoring the Barcelona targets

In EU 25

Proportion of children cared for by formal arrangements

Developing knowledge and capacity building

• Study on the role of men, out-of school care services, elderly care

• Production of statistical reports on “Reconciling work, private and family life”

• Exchange of good practices on flexible working time arrangements, on childcare services, on the role of men in gender equality

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