International Women’s Day 2024: our democracies are stronger when women are involved as equals

8 March marks the International Women’s Day.

This year’s global theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ highlights that women's participation in society is essential. Europe has been taking steps towards gender equality, such as implementing pay transparency, increasing women’s representation on corporate boards and working towards freedom from violence. But the path to full equality is still long.

Women continue to be underrepresented in politics:

• only 6 EU countries have achieved a gender balance of more than 40% in their Members of Parliament
• only 5 EU countries have female Heads of State
• the European Parliament’s members are close to gender balance with 40% women and 60% men

With the current slow pace of change, women's share of workplace management positions will reach only 30% by 2050. This is why the Commission is working with EU countries to increase the number of women in decision-making positions. We urge all to do more to promote the inclusion of women in politics. We also recognise the courageous activism of European suffragettes who fought for the right to vote and all women who contributed to a fairer and more equal society. In this year’s elections, we encourage all women to vote, to claim their space in society and to feel empowered to participate in political life.

A new report published today tracks the progress made on gender equality in the EU. Over the past four years, several important milestones have advanced gender equality in the EU:

• the Pay Transparency Directive strengthening the equal pay principle
• new work-life balance rights for parents and carers
• the European Care Strategy to ensure quality, affordable and accessible care services
• the adoption of the Directive on Gender Balance on Corporate Boards
• the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence
• the establishment of an EU network on the prevention of gender-based violence and domestic violence

In 2024, the Commission will put forward recommendations to prevent and fight harmful practices against women and girls. It will also continue supporting women’s rights and striving towards a gender-equal Europe.

For more information

Actions for gender equality

Gender equality

2024 Report on Gender Equality in the EU

Statement on International Women’s Day

Factsheet – Championing Gender Equality

Gender Equality Strategy Monitoring Portal

Gender Statistics Database

International Women’s Day: Inspire inclusion