Better childcare services for improving the situation of women in the labour market
The EU will not be able to meet its 75 % employment target unless enough women are encouraged to enter or remain in the workforce and the gender gap in employment is reduced – pointed out Csaba Sógor during the debate on the EU 2020 startegy at the plenary meeting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the 25th of November.
The RMDSZ MEP stressed that, although equality between women and men is one of the founding values of the European Union, studies show that there still are considerable differences between the employment experiences of men and women, and in their balance between work and family life.
“The causes for this vary among member states, thus there can be no single solution that fits all. Nevertheless, one main cause lies in the absence of adequate childcare solutions” - emphasized Csaba Sógor, who referred to the current EU trends, according to which across the EU most mothers who do not work, or only work part-time, do so because childcare is too expensive or unavailable.
Csaba Sógor also pointed out that only a few member states were able to implement successful measures regarding this issue. In the MEP's opinion, there is a need for childcare facilities that meet the parent's work schedule better, in order for Member State to increase the number of women in employment. It is also important that employers create the possibility of flexible working hours.
The implementation of the Employment Equality Directive was also on the EP plenary agenda. The Directive has been transposed in the national legal system of all 28 Member States, but the Commission's last report shows that there are still many challenges to be resolved in the implementation process.
MEPs appealed to the Commission for answers as to how they will ensure the enforcement of rights enshrined in the Employment Equality Directive. Csaba Sógor said during the debate: the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is double the average. The reason is that only a small part of European companies offer reasonable accommodation for workers. The MEP urged for better statistical data collection on the issue and for more EU pressure on member states to implement national strategies based on good practices.
