Debates of the European Parliament

SITTING OF TUESDAY, 11 MARCH 2003

Employment strategy and social policy

Karamanou (PSE). – (EL) Mr President, Commissioner, today we are debating the future of the European Employment Strategy, at a time when the economy is seriously overshadowed by the threat of war in Iraq, rising oil prices and economic problems in the countries in the eurozone.

Unfortunately, the current labour market is not dynamic enough to create new jobs. As far as women are concerned, to whom you alluded extensively, despite the increase in the number of working women, who now account for about 41%-42% of the total workforce, and the gradual increase in the number of women in purely male-dominated sectors, unemployment is far higher among women than it is among men.

The Lisbon objectives to improve the position of women in the labour market would appear to be some way off, given that unemployment is still about double among women: 14.6% compared to 8.7% among men. We also note that exploitation is rife among women, with over 250 000 women working at home with absolutely no social protection. At the same time, the black market is flourishing, relying heavily on hundreds of thousands of mainly female foreigners who are left out of labour and unemployment statistics.

The European Employment Strategy recognises the role that women can play in increasing employment rates, and we are delighted that it is moving towards eroding the differentials between men and women as far as wages and the representation of women in all sectors of the economy are concerned. We are also delighted, Commissioner, with the importance you have attached to gender mainstreaming in all sectors. However, it is clear from the statistics on the number of women in work that the policies already being applied require greater momentum and evaluation. Most importantly, quantifiable, qualitative and quantitative targets need to be introduced at both European and national level. For example, we could set ourselves the objective of halving the current differential between men and women on pay, training, pensions and promotions and the length of time women stay in work by 2010.

I hope the forthcoming spring Council will accept your proposals and that we shall have new national employment plans by the autumn, as you said in your speech.