50/50 formula – gender balance

Equality between women and men is one of the European Union’s main values and reaches back to 1957 when the principle of equal pay for equal work became part of the Treaty of Rome. The European Union’s efforts in fostering gender balance have helped to change the lives of many Europeans for the better. Although many inequalities still exist, progress over the last decades can be seen. This is mainly thanks to equal treatment legislation; gender mainstreaming (integration of the gender perspective into all other policies); and specific measures for the advancement of women.

Recent trends include the increased number of women in the labour market and progress in securing better education and training. However, gender gaps remain and women are still over-represented in lower paid sectors and under-represented in decision-making positions.

This Keysource brings together a selection of studies on gender balance in education and research, career, politics and family life.