In some developing countries girls struggle to finish primary or secondary education due to povery, child marriage and discriminatory social norms. In the EU women enjoy full access to higher education and today they graduate more often than men. However, when it comes to the labour market, women still don't enjoy the same opportunities as men. They are often underpaid and have more part-time jobs.
According to the EP resolution on gender stereotypes in the EU, gender stereotypes in schools influence the perception of children from an early age and stereotypical assumptions about women in the labour market contribute to gender divisions within occupations as well as to women being paid less than men.
MEPs have long fought for gender equality. Currently the Parliament is working on a new equality strategy. It also raised awareness of the imporance of the issues involved by awarding the 2013 Sakharov Prize to Malala Yousafzai, who is fighting for girls' rights to education and the 2014 one to Dr Denis Mukwege, who is helping victims of sexual violence.
In our top story you will find more information on the Parliament's work on creating equal opportunities.
REF. : 20150306STO31745
