Female workers across Europe still earn about 16% less than men. That means that from the 4th of November, women would stop getting paid for the rest of the year for the same job men do. We say: This has to stop!

MEP Irène Tolleret, Coordinator of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, wants the EU to step up its efforts to finally close the gender pay gap:

“The principle of equal pay for equal work is enshrined in the EU Treaties since 1957, but still today, it is far from being a reality. Within the EU, we are facing an overall gender pay gap of about 16% with huge differences between Member States. The situation worsens when women retire, as their pension is about 40% less.”

“During the last years, we have made some steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to meet our citizens’ expectations and to achieve gender equality. We welcomed the announcement of President-elect von der Leyen to table comprehensive and binding measures to introduce pay transparency and close the pay gap in the first 100 days of her mandate. We are ready to work with the new European Commission.”

“The EU must deliver and continue to fight to close the gender pay gap and build a more inclusive and fair society. Women have waited long enough!”