Resolution of the European Economic and Social Committee – A roadmap for Women’s Rights - Supporting the Declaration of Principles for a Gender-Equal Society
Date: 2025-06-19
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: equal pay, equal treatment, gender equality, participation of women, political participation, position of women, sexual discrimination, sexual violence, women's rights, work-life balance








C_202504201EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2025/4201


20.8.2025






Resolution of the European Economic and Social Committee
A roadmap for Women’s Rights - Supporting the Declaration of Principles for a Gender-Equal Society
(C/2025/4201)


Rapporteur-General: 
Sif HOLST






Legal basis


Rule 52(4) and 79(2) of the Rules of Procedure




Adopted at plenary session


19.6.2025




Plenary session No


597




Outcome of vote
(for/against/abstentions)


177/02/10





1.   

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s rights as fundamental pillars of democracy, social justice and inclusive growth. In an era marked by democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space, gender-based violence and increasing resistance to respecting and effectively implementing women’s rights, the EESC stands firmly alongside all the players striving to advance equality for all women and girls, in all their diversity.



2.   

The EESC welcomes the European Commission’s Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society, annexed to the Communication on a Roadmap for Women’s Rights, and notes that it reflects the aspiration to achieve gender equality within the framework of existing EU legal frameworks and international commitments, while respecting Member States’ national competences. It does not affect the content of legal rules or their application.



3.   
This resolution sets out, at a general level, the EESC’s endorsement of the Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society. These principles cover:






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Freedom from gender-based violence










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The highest standards of health










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Equal pay and economic empowerment










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Work-life balance and care










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Equal employment opportunities and adequate working conditions










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Quality and inclusive education










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Political participation and equal representation










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Institutional mechanisms that deliver on women’s rights.






4.   

These principles are closely aligned with the values and priorities repeatedly expressed in EESC opinions. They reflect shared commitments within the EU and internationally, including the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 5.



5.   
The EESC recognises that implementation of these principles requires coordinated and sustained action. The Committee is committed to:






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Promoting gender equality through structured social and civil dialogue and inclusive participation at all levels










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Strengthening the role of young people, civil society organisations and social partners in shaping, monitoring and implementing equality policies










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Supporting intersectional approaches that address the realities of women facing multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination










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Encouraging policies that guarantee sexual and reproductive health and rights, equitable access to care, and safe, inclusive democratic spaces










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Promoting gender mainstreaming, gender budgeting and the systematic collection and use of sex-disaggregated and intersectional data.






6.   

As the voice of organised civil society in the European Union, the EESC stands ready to contribute actively to the realisation of this roadmap and to work with the European institutions and Member States to transform these principles into practice by contributing to the next gender equality strategy.



7.   

Now is the time to unite, and to reaffirm and reinforce our shared commitment to a gender-equal society.




Brussels, 19 June 2025.


The President


of the European Economic and Social Committee

Oliver RÖPKE
               





ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/4201/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)