Resolution 2589 (2025)1Provisional version

Women in the economy: employment, entrepreneurship and gender-responsive budgeting

Parliamentary Assembly1. Women have always had their place in the economy and arguably have a longer experience than menin managing the relationship between production of goods and services and management of availableresources, on a day-to-day basis. Recognition of this place, however, is not widespread and has been ignoredas in other areas such as science, the arts and literature. In a history of advances and setbacks women havecome a long way to affirm their economic value and independence. Nevertheless, as in all the otherdimensions of equality between women and men, there is still a long way to go, globally.

2. The Parliamentary Assembly last addressed the subject of women’s place in the economy in 2018, witha report entitled “Empowering women in the economy” which led to Resolution 2235 (2018). The rapporteur,Ms Elena Centemero (Italy, EPP/CD), identified main areas requiring action (gender pay gaps leading topension gaps, difficulties in accessing employment, slower career progression, gender segmentation, glassceilings) and stressed the fact that “equality between women and men in the economy is a precondition foradvances in other spheres, including public and political life”.

3. A 2023 study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlightsnotable advancements in two critical areas. Firstly, in the distribution of childcare responsibilities, whereapproximately 40% of fathers in several countries now take parental leave, albeit for systematically shorterperiods than their female counterparts. Secondly, progress has been observed in transparency, particularlyconcerning gender pay gaps. In 55% of the 37 OECD member countries, private firms are now required toreport on gender pay gaps.

4. Despite all the expert evidence and facts, the still ongoing negative impacts and fallout from recentcrises, including the global Covid-19 pandemic and the economic consequences of the conflicts in and outsideEurope, have shown the fragility of progress towards gender equality and how much remains to be done. Thisis particularly evident with respect to the persisting imbalance of care responsibilities, still assumed mainly bywomen both in the home and in institutions, and the lack of financial recognition for this type of work. So slowprogress is coupled with a real risk of backsliding, especially in the current context. The Assembly considersthat more account should be taken of research that shows women’s potential, and more action taken toaccelerate change.

5. Due to the persistent lack of recognition of their rightful place in the economy, women face greaterdiscrimination compared to men. Both conscious and unconscious gender biases operate to theirdisadvantage, particularly in recruitment processes where women are asked to prove their dedication,determination and leadership abilities to a greater extent than their male counterparts. Moreover, thecaregiving responsibilities that women predominantly assume, and for which they are seen as indispensable,tend to raise doubts about their perceived ability to perform efficiently within the economic sphere.

1. Assembly debate on 30 January 2025 (8th sitting) (see Doc. 16068, report of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Sena Nur Çelik Kanat). Text adopted by the Assembly on 30 January 2025 (8th sitting).

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