S&D Euro MP Maria Noichl led a cross party majority on concrete actions to reduce inequality between men and women in the coming years. The report passed despite virulent attacks from anti-gender radical traditionalist movements. But MEPs refused to cave in to the pressure and have called for equality for all.
S&D Group spokeswoman on this issue Marie Arena stated:
"I am glad that reason won over divisions. This report sets out ambitious and concrete proposals and addresses the issue of financing.
"Today women still earn less money than men for the same job. They are victims of discrimination for their pensions, on the labour markets and face a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion. Many of them do not have access to health services in the case of abortion. We must do our best to eradicate such discrimination in Europe and beyond. Europe can be the engine to promote women's rights around the world."
S&D Euro MP Maria Noichl, who drafted the European Parliament's original report, stated:
"Today is a good day for equality and women's rights in Europe, but it is only the first step of many. We now call on the Commission to draw up a comprehensive strategy for the next five years with clear goals to be achieved in the coming years and clear solutions.
"We call specifically for a directive to combat violence against women, the sustainable reduction of gender gaps in salaries and pensions, the reduction of stereotypes through targeted education and specific actions for all women in Europe suffering from multiple discrimination. We also recommend measures to conciliate professional and private lives".
