Logo Assembly Logo Hemicycle

Women in the economy: employment, entrepreneurship and gender-responsive budgeting

Doc. 16068: compendium of written amendments | Doc. 16068 | 30/01/2025 | Final version

Compendium index

Amendment 1 Amendment 2 Amendment 3 Amendment 4 Amendment 5

Caption: AdoptedRejectedWithdrawnNo electronic votes

ADraft Resolution

1Women have always had their place in the economy and arguably have a longer experience than men in managing the relationship between production of goods and services and management of available resources, on a day-to-day basis. Recognition of this place, however, is not widespread and has been ignored as in other areas such as science, the arts and literature. In a history of advances and setbacks women have come a long way to affirm their economic value and independence. Nevertheless, as in all the other dimensions of equality between women and men, there is still a long way to go, globally.
2The Parliamentary Assembly last addressed the subject of women’s place in the economy in 2018, with a report entitled “Empowering women in the economy” which led to Resolution 2235 (2018). The rapporteur, Ms Elena Centemero (Italy, EPP/CD), identified main areas requiring action (gender pay gaps leading to pension gaps, difficulties in accessing employment, slower career progression, gender segmentation, glass ceilings) and stressed the fact that “equality between women and men in the economy is a precondition for advances in other spheres, including public and political life”.
3A 2023 study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights notable advancements in two critical areas. Firstly, in the distribution of childcare responsibilities, where approximately 40% of fathers in several countries now take parental leave, albeit for systematically shorter periods than their female counterparts. Secondly, progress has been observed in transparency, particularly concerning gender pay gaps. In 55% of the 37 OECD member countries, private firms are now required to report on gender pay gaps.
4Despite all the expert evidence and facts, the still ongoing negative impacts and fallout from recent crises, including the global Covid-19 pandemic and the economic consequences of the conflicts in and outside Europe, have shown the fragility of progress towards gender equality and how much remains to be done. This is particularly evident with respect to the persisting imbalance of care responsibilities, still assumed mainly by women both in the home and in institutions, and the lack of financial recognition for this type of work. So slow progress is coupled with a real risk of backsliding, especially in the current context. The Assembly considers that more account should be taken of research that shows women’s potential, and more action taken to accelerate change.
5Due to the persistent lack of recognition of their rightful place in the economy, women face greater discrimination compared to men. Both conscious and unconscious gender biases operate to their disadvantage, particularly in recruitment processes where women are asked to prove their dedication, determination and leadership abilities to a greater extent than their male counterparts. Moreover, the caregiving responsibilities that women predominantly assume, and for which they are seen as indispensable, tend to raise doubts about their perceived ability to perform efficiently within the economic sphere.
6Although the number of women with higher education qualifications has risen, young women remain less likely than young men to choose Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) as fields of study at graduate level. The existence of gender gaps in fields of tertiary study indicates that young women often do not build on good school performances to enter higher education in fields with better employment prospects, such as STEM and articifical interlligence (AI)-related studies. The OECD explains this in part by the lack of self-confidence girls have in their mathematics and science abilities during school, and the lack of role models for girls in STEM and AI fields, which means that young girls have little evidence to disprove the notion that mathematics and science are somehow more “masculine” disciplines.
7The Assembly calls on European leaders to respond to one of the greatest challenges in establishing women’s place in the economy, which is changing mindsets. There must be a willingness on all sides to break the glass ceilings and mend the “broken rung” – the first step up into managerial positions for women. Those who have succeeded must act as champions and role models, showing that their achievements are attainable by many other girls and women.
8Equality must be championed in all aspects of daily life, with particular attention to ensuring that traditions, identities, and gender-specific cultural differences are not used to perpetuate existing inequalities. There is a need to address the negative impacts of the intersectionality of gender and other grounds of discrimination and to combat racism and all forms of intolerance that disproportionately affect women, especially those from diverse groups and disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, inclusive approaches to diversity must be prioritised and concerted efforts should be made to challenge and dismantle pervasive stereotypes.
9The Assembly also calls for gender to be mainstreamed in all policies and budgets and all areas of government and governance and for adequate funding to be earmarked for equality. Cross-cutting policies must ensure continuity in support for women’s equal participation in all areas. More disaggregated data is needed to identify root causes of inequality and clarify the orientations that should be taken, enabling evidence-based policy analysis that can more accurately address specific disparities and inform targeted interventions for achieving gender equality.

30 January 2025

Tabled by Ms Olena KHOMENKO, Mr Yuriy KAMELCHUK, Ms Lesia VASYLENKO, Ms Yuliia OVCHYNNYKOVA, Ms Mariia MEZENTSEVA-FEDORENKO, Ms Lesia ZABURANNA, Ms Iryna KONSTANKEVYCH, Ms Larysa BILOZIR, Mr Dmytro NATALUKHA

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 9, insert the following paragraph:

"The Assembly also underscores the importance of integrating gender-responsive budgeting in defence and security policies. It recognises the significant role of women in the security and defence sectors, as demonstrated in Ukraine, where over 70 000 women serve in the Armed Forces, including more than 10 000 in active combat roles. In light of this, member States are encouraged to adopt policies that ensure gender-sensitive military service conditions, including access to appropriate protective equipment, tailored medical and psychological support, and equal career advancement opportunities. Furthermore, the Assembly calls on member States to support initiatives that advance gender equality within security institutions, aligning with UN commitments on women, peace, and security."

Explanatory note

This amendment highlights the critical role of gender-responsive budgeting in defence and security, ensuring that military policies account for the specific needs of servicewomen.

10In light of the above considerations, the Assembly calls on Council of Europe member States as well as observer States and States whose parliaments enjoy observer or partner for democracy status with the Assembly to improve their law and policy with respect to gender-responsive budgeting. In particular, governments should:
10.1ensure that gender-responsive budgeting is mandated in the budget law and budget documents and clearly defined within public finance management systems at the national, regional and local levels, and that gender-responsive budgeting tools are embedded at all stages of the budget cycle;
10.2develop and introduce clear guidance and tools coupled with capacity building of public officials at all levels, to identify gender gaps through gender analysis and take specific action to address and close these gaps;
10.3strengthen the accountability of budget execution with respect to gender equality and monitor results using gender impact assessment;
10.4build the capacity of supreme audit institutions to audit expenditure through a gender lens and to evaluate whether intended gender outcomes have been achieved;
10.5ensure that budgets are grounded in evidence-based policy analysis, and publish regular, real-time expenditure reports that are publicly accessible, enabling parliament, civil society, and the general public to see how resources are allocated to gender equality;
10.6take steps to ensure that women can participate in budget discussions and have their voices heard.

30 January 2025

Tabled by Ms Olena KHOMENKO, Ms Lesia VASYLENKO, Ms Yuliia OVCHYNNYKOVA, Ms Mariia MEZENTSEVA-FEDORENKO, Ms Lesia ZABURANNA, Ms Larysa BILOZIR, Mr Dmytro NATALUKHA

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 10.6, insert the following paragraph:

"support investments in childcare infrastructure and flexible work policies, enabling women to fully participate in the workforce and economic recovery, while integrating these principles into national recovery plans, ensuring that post-war economic policies address existing gender disparities and promote long-term resilience."

Explanatory note

This amendment stresses that childcare infrastructure and flexible work policies are crucial for women's economic participation in post-war recovery. Integrating these into national recovery plans ensures a more resilient and inclusive economy.

11With regard to employment, the Assembly calls on member States to make more efforts to:
11.1impose pay transparency to expose gender pay gaps, and carry out effective reviews of these gaps in all public services and private business, accompanied by sanctions where differentiation persists;
11.2develop and implement laws and policies to identify, eliminate, and sanction racism and all forms of intolerance and discrimination including intersectional discrimination against women from diverse groups in the labour market, which hinder their economic empowerment, and address the specific needs of disadvantaged groups;
11.3eliminate conscious gender bias in recruitment, training and promotion processes, and learn to recognise and screen out unconscious bias;
11.4ensure through legal measures, awareness-raising campaigns and media visibility that the workplace is seen as a safe space for everyone, and in particular women who are often the targets of multiple and persistent “microaggressions” and other forms of gender-based harassment;
11.5recognise the value of types of employment where women are in a majority, first and foremost in care and medical fields, and reward these skills and competences at their true value;
11.6promote women’s participation in traditionally male dominated sectors, such as STEM fields, as well as in emerging sectors like the digital and green economy, by implementing targeted training and mentoring programs, to improve gender balance in the labour market and foster a more inclusive digital and green future;
11.7develop specific grant programs for women entrepreneurs starting businesses and start-ups, with accessible application requirements for diverse backgrounds, along with support and advisory services to guide them through the application process, and provide financial literacy training;
11.8ensure that technology used in human resources management takes into account diversity and intersectionality, and that automated decision making does not generate discrimination;
11.9adopt measures to improve gender balance in leadership roles across the economy, including on corporate boards, senior management, and public-sector decision-making positions.

30 January 2025

Tabled by Ms Olena KHOMENKO, Ms Yuliia OVCHYNNYKOVA, Ms Mariia MEZENTSEVA-FEDORENKO, Ms Lesia ZABURANNA, Ms Lesia VASYLENKO, Mr Dmytro NATALUKHA

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 11.9, insert the following paragraph:

"ensure that all policies and budgets and all areas of government and governance take into account the impact of climate change on diverse groups of women and men."

30 January 2025

Tabled by Ms Olena KHOMENKO, Ms Yuliia OVCHYNNYKOVA, Ms Mariia MEZENTSEVA-FEDORENKO, Ms Lesia ZABURANNA, Ms Lesia VASYLENKO, Mr Dmytro NATALUKHA

In the draft resolution, after paragraph 11.9, insert the following paragraph:

"recognise the impact of artificial intelligence on ensuring gender equality in employment."

12With regard to care and family responsibilities, the Assembly calls on member States to:
12.1enact legislation to support paid parental leave for both parents, flexible working arrangements and caregiving leave for those caring for children, elderly or disabled family members;
12.2provide affordable and accessible, high-quality childcare and elderly care services, reducing the caregiving burden that often falls disproportionately on women;
12.3promote the equal sharing of responsibilities through public awareness campaigns and policies such as paid paternal leave, in particular to encourage and incentivise men to share caregiving duties;
12.4introduce tax breaks or subsidies for families that employ caregivers or provide in-home care services;
12.5create programmes that ensure all children have access to universal early education to allow parents, particularly women, to engage in the workforce;
12.6compensate unpaid care work through social transfers, such as payment for childcare or for elderly care, or social security coverage for full-time homemakers;
12.7ensure that leave for care responsibilities does not affect pension rights;
12.8include unpaid work in national statistics by gathering quantitative and qualitative data, particularly time use surveys.
13Concerning education, the Assembly calls on member States to:
13.1ensure that from the earliest age, school curricula avoid the gender bias and stereotyping which lead children to channel their energies into gendered and stereotyped roles and, in particular, lead to girls losing their confidence in their abilities in science and mathematics;
13.2provide equal opportunities for girls and boys to experience a broad range of theoretical and practical studies in different areas, and reinforce programmes such as job-information days or career fairs in schools for both parents and students and early work experience through education programmes and apprenticeships, to encourage girls’ interest in science-related subjects;
13.3organise extra-curricular activities to enable girls to discover and exercise technological skills and computing competencies, such as computer coding in non-competitive, game-based surroundings;
13.4provide training and further training for teachers to enable them to recognise and address their own conscious or unconscious gender bias.
14Finally, the Assembly calls on all Council of Europe member States as well as observer States and States whose parliaments enjoy observer or partner for democracy status with the Assembly to use the research and tools at their disposal to collect more disaggregated and intersectional data on gender-based discrimination in the economy in order to better address it at all levels, and to take into account the evidence showing that if the full potential of women were realised, national incomes would rise considerably in the short and medium term.