On the occasion of the 2017 edition of International Day, it is worth remembering that gender equality is a real societal issue and the European Union has made it one of its founding principles.
Today, the European Commission is committed to integrating this issue into all its policies and promoting it in its legislation and supported projects.
And in France? Current situation…
France integrates gender equality issues into its public policies in both a transversal and specific manner.
Today, France covers all the areas required by the European strategy, namely: social inclusion and the fight against poverty; education and training; access to health; the fight against gender-based violence; the economy and the labor market; the fight against gender stereotypes; the reconciliation of family and professional life.
In 2014, the law for real equality between women and men was symbolically promulgated on August 4th. This framework law extends the principle of parity to all areas of responsibility.
In 2016, the first Inter-ministerial Plan for professional equality between women and men (2016-2020) demonstrates a strong commitment from the entire government to advance equality.
The 5th Plan (2017-19) for mobilization and fight against sexist violence aims to accelerate the exit path from violence for victims. This plan is part of a comprehensive public policy, structured around triennial plans in place for more than 10 years.
Furthermore, France has introduced in its legislation the notion of sexist behavior, via the law of August 17, 2015, relating to social dialogue and employment. This means that no one should be subjected to sexist behavior, defined as any behavior linked to a person’s sex, intended or resulting in harm to their dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life is intended for local and regional authorities who wish to realize their commitment to women’s rights. It outlines the rights, legal and political framework. Today, France counts nearly 150 signatory cities.
The promotion of job gender diversity constitutes an essential issue for gender equality. The goal is to achieve one-third of mixed jobs by 2025. Today, in France, there are only 28% of women in this sector.
Today, the pay gap between men and women stands at 16.3% within the European Union. France is below the European average, with a gender pay gap of 15.8%.
