Ahead of International Women’s Day, the European Commission issued the following statement:
“The past year was a difficult one. The COVID-19 pandemic has spared nobody, and was particularly challenging for women around the world. Doctors, nurses, teachers, shop assistants – jobs often held by women – have found themselves at the frontline of the pandemic. All this, while taking on greater responsibilities at home.
Let us take a moment to thank women for their bravery, their compassion and their contribution in fighting this crisis, also by keeping our societies, care systems and most essential services running.
While women make up the majority of frontline workers in the healthcare, they were barely represented in the pandemic decision-making processes. For instance, of the national dedicated COVID-19 task forces in 87 countries, including 17 EU Member States, 85.2% were led by men.
Gender equality must be at the heart of the post-pandemic recovery. The Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation provides that gender equality and equal opportunities for all should be taken into account and promoted throughout the preparation and implementation of national recovery and resilience plans. Women must also be better represented in leadership position be it in politics or on companies’ boards – we will continue to fight for it.
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