Question

Why are women discriminated in the job market?How can it be improved

Answer 1

One of the basic rights women have is not to be discriminated against in the workforce and in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, reality does not always comply with the law and even in Europe, women continue to be discriminated against in manifold ways.

The first problem which women encounter is a lack of access to the labour market. The second problem is the wage gap. The third problem is the “glass ceiling”.

The main reason for all these problems is discrimination against women. This discrimination at work will not vanish by itself. The elimination of discrimination requires deliberate, focused and consistent efforts and policies by all parties concerned over a sustained period of time.

This is why the Parliamentary Assembly should recommend that the Committee of Ministers entrust the competent intergovernmental committee to set up a project to combat discrimination against women in the workforce and the workplace. The Committee of Ministers should furthermore head an awareness-raising campaign to stamp out gender stereotypes and preconceptions relating both to the economic cost of hiring and employing women and to women’s roles and abilities, commitment and leadership style in the workplace.

I.        Draft recommendation

1.        One of the basic rights women have is not to be discriminated against in the workforce and in the workplace. This right is enshrined in international law, such as United Nations Conventions, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and the Revised European Social Charter, as well as in the national law of all Council of Europe member states and in European Community Law. Unfortunately, however, reality does not always comply with the law and even in Europe, women continue to be discriminated against in manifold ways, both in the workforce and in the workplace.

2.        The first problem which women encounter is a lack of access to the labour market. In most Council of Europe member states, the labour force participation rate of women is lower and their unemployment rate higher than that of men – although there are strong regional variations. In general, far more women than men work in part-time jobs (not only of their own choosing) and many women are overqualified for the work they do. In addition, many women are what the ILO calls “discouraged” workers: workers who are not included in the unemployment statistics of their country because they do not actively seek work although they do want to work because they feel that no work is available to them or they face discrimination or structural, social or cultural barriers.