Empty rhetoric while business holds the reins
Systemic barriers will continue to hold women back.
This March European leaders will, as they do every year, release statements on their continued commitment to making gender equality a reality. In a position of genuine power and significance, their policy directions has the opportunity to deliver tangible change to women.
Previously, the Berlaymont had been aware of this ability, using March 8th and International Women’s Day to initiate plans such as the pay transparency directive, combating violence and violence against women file and promoting the adoption of women on boards. All of these measures were lauded by trade unions and women’s groups as excellent steps forward, even if ultimately Member States reduced their scope and enforcement.
But now, it is clear to see that delivering on gender-specific priorities is no longer a central aim for this Commission mandate.
This was evident from the get-go, with trade unions and civil society forcing a U-turn on the removal of “equality” from any portfolio title, even though it had previously been given a distinct mandate.
It is the work programme where we really see the delivery of policies to reduce the gap between the sexes have been markedly reduced as a serious priority.
As we previously noted in our analysis of the programme, the focus on deregulation provides little for professionals and managers, and even less in the fight for meaningful gender policies.
Within the stated objectives of each of the 45 new initiatives, only two contain the word equality.
All of these references are non-legislative.
Equality is no longer a standalone cabinet.
No protections are being offered to previous initiatives that are in the crosshairs of business groups, such as the pay transparency directive.
The deregulation agenda will reduce the rights of women throughout supply chains, and leave them more exposed to injuries from climate change and workplace malpractice.
The Rana Plaza collapse was an example that the Commission frequently cited to underscore the importance of corporate sustainability and due diligence directives. In light of the omnibus, Von der Leyen is unlikely to mention this tragedy on Saturday, despite the 50 million women who work in the precarious textiles and garment sectors globally.
The reality is that deregulation will put more women at risk.
We cannot allow a return disenfranchising women and reducing their safety being business as usual.