Ireland urged to champion EU Equality Ombudsman
Ireland's presidency of the European Union was today urged to appoint a special ombudsman on equality issues.
In an initiative to mark International Women's Day, the joint committee of the Nordic Social Democratic Labour Movement (SAMAK) wants the EU's Spring Summit later this month to make progress on a range of equality issues.
Data has shown that women earn 84% of average male wages and have an unemployment rate 2.3% higher than their male counterparts.
A position paper entitled "The EU and Gender Equality" has been submitted to the Irish presidency and criticises the forthcoming EU election's official ambition for equal representation of just 30%.
SAMAK General secretary Peter Palshoj said: "The birth rate in Nordic countries is among the highest in Europe, while women's participation in the labour market also ranks among the highest.
"This is due to public investment in childcare and possibilities for maternity and paternity leave.
"Improved gender equality is an asset in efforts to create jobs and develop the economy at a time when Europe faces demographic changes with a growing proportion of pensioners," he added.
