A Labour Perspective On The Quest For Gender Equality In The European Union
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 30
- 1 min read
Adriana Roland de Souza Ribeiro,University of Debrecen, Marton Géza Doctoral School
of Legal Studies
ABSTRACT
This essay investigates the role of labour law in achieving gender equity within the European Union (EU). From the EU's connection to employment and the socio-economic implications of the world of work and beyond, this investigation evaluates what the EU has attempted to implement to address inequities such as gendered wage gaps, gendered employment segregation, underemployment of women in professional and political spheres, and gendered expectations of unpaid caregiving. From the Work-Life Balance Directive to gender-neutral endeavours that apply to specific spaces and results, the mere fact that such policies could even be formally proposed speaks to a precedent consideration of adult, gendered, feminist realities. Ultimately, this article emerges from a critical standpoint to advocate for the necessity of a gendered labour policy and new approaches to combat institutional barriers. Inclusion is up to politicians, policymakers, and unions combined to achieve.
Keywords: Gender equality, European Union, labour law, gender pay gap, work-life balance.