site.btaOver 60 Years Needed for Full Gender Equality in Europe, Says European Commission's Representation Head

According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, at the current pace of progress, it will take 60 years for Europe to achieve full gender equality, said European Commission's (EC) Representation head Yordanka Chobanova. She was speaking on Monday during the opening of the Women in Public Administration conference in Sofia. “This is far too long, and it has already taken too much time to reach the progress we have today,” Chobanova noted. 

The EC Representation head recalled that the European Commission has proposed a roadmap for women's rights, quoting the Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, who stated that questioning gender equality means questioning progress. According to Chobanova, "gender equality should be as natural as the air we breathe. The roadmap aims to eliminate structural and discriminatory norms in our societies in order to achieve freedom from violence, the highest health standards, equal pay, work-life balance, equal employment opportunities, quality and inclusive education, equal gender representation in all sectors and levels of public and political life,” she explained.

Chobanova also pointed out that the roadmap is the foundation for specific initiatives after 2025 and the preparation of the next gender equality strategy. "This roadmap is our guiding light and vision for a world where women and girls can be leaders, thrive, and realize their full potential, free from violence and discrimination," she added.

The European Institute for Gender Equality estimates that improving gender equality by 2050 could increase the EU's GDP by between EUR 1.9 trillion and EUR 3.15 trillion, Chobanova said.