The EU Commission’s “roadmap on women’s rights,” a long-term vision for gender equality, has drawn criticism for its lack of concrete solutions amidst a global backlash against women’s rights. While outlining key challenges in health, work, and safety, the roadmap offers limited specifics on how to address them.
Critics, like MEP Mélissa Camara, lament the initiative’s failure to meet the urgency of the moment, particularly as anti-gender movements rise across Europe and violence against women persists. Despite acknowledging that 50 million women in the EU experience gender-based violence, and that progress is slowing, the roadmap lacks binding proposals.
A key point of contention is the “timid progress” on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). The document’s brief mention of supporting SRHR access has been deemed insufficient, especially regarding safe access to abortion.
The Commission emphasizes the economic benefits of gender equality, projecting a potential €1.2 trillion boost to EU GDP by 2050 through increased female participation. However, the persistent gender pay gap and the disproportionate burden of care responsibilities remain significant hurdles.
While the roadmap is seen as a commitment to gender equality, stakeholders like Iliana Balabanova stress the need for “bold policies, firm commitments, and strong leadership.” MEP Lina Galvez calls for the integration of equality principles into all EU policies, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and budgetary considerations.
Essentially, the EU faces the task of translating its vision into tangible results, navigating a complex landscape of rising opposition and persistent inequalities.
