Changes from plenary report to adopted text

RemovedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

RemovedWith this report we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of the gender pay and pension gap across the European Union by analysing the underlying causes that remain despite the EU’s long-standing commitment to tackle gender inequalities. Persistent gaps stem from a number of factors, such as the concentration of women in lower-paid and undervalued occupations, motherhood penalty, unequal distribution of care and household responsibilities, the higher prevalence of part-time and atypical work among women, and discrimination in pay and career progression. The report highlights the intricate correlation between pay gaps, labour-market participation and pension outcomes, which illustrate that low pay levels or career interruptions translate into lower pension entitlements, which can disproportionately expose women to poverty and social exclusion in old age. We draw attention to the specific challenges faced by women working in female-dominated sectors and the importance of ensuring women’s entrepreneurship and achieving financial independence. Moreover, we highlight that beyond the individual benefits for women, closing the gender pay and pension gaps have broad benefits for our societies and economies and can be a driver for growth and competitiveness.

RemovedThe report outlines several measures to be taken, starting with providing more effective tools to assess the value of work and to ensure simplified tax arrangements and transparent remuneration systems. We further call for stronger enforcement of existing equal pay and equal treatment legislation, the development and implementation of pay-transparency measures, improved access to affordable and high-quality care services, and better work-life balance arrangements for all. It also underlines the importance of integrating a gender perspective into employment, social and economic policies, and of supporting Member States in addressing inequalities through coordinated and evidence-based action. By setting out concrete policy orientations and recommendations, this report seeks to contribute to a more coherent, competitive and effective Union approach to closing both the gender pay gap and the gender pension gap, and to promoting fairer remuneration and greater economic independence for women throughout their lives. The Commission should ensure that the issues raised in the report are addressed in the forthcoming proposal of the next Gender Equality Strategy.