Women Increasingly Outperform Men In Education, But Still Paid Less & Undervalued

The European Parliament is calling for an action plan to improve women’s work-life balance, working conditions and fair pay in women-dominated sectors.

The resolution was adopted by 458 votes in favour, 72 against, and 98 abstentions. MEPs highlighted that jobs in sectors where women are the majority are generally lower paid and undervalued, even though younger women increasingly outperform men in education.

Enhancing women’s participation in the labour market could help address skills and labour shortages and boost the EU’s productivity and growth.

Parliament wants the Commission to present an action plan to close the gender pay and pension gaps.

It should include targeted measures to improve pay and working conditions in women-dominated sectors, with investment prioritised under the next EU long-term budget to strengthen work-life balance and the care sector.

Women perform a disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work, reducing their pension accrual and labour market participation.

This contributes to the gender pay gap of 12% in 2023 and a pension gap of 25.4%.

Nearly 28% of women work part-time, often due to lack of access to childcare or care for relatives. Women work on average between 54 and 67 days a year without pay, and unpaid domestic work adds over eight weeks per year.

The gender pay gap cost the EU €390 billion in 2023. In 2024, 16.9% of retired women were at risk of poverty, almost twice the rate for men.

MEPs stress that practical support for women, including accessible childcare, paid parental leave and policies promoting paternity leave, is essential to reduce inequality and create a more just society.

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