Trend: Gender inequalities, still a gap

A trend indicates a direction of change in values and needs which is driven by forces and manifests itself already in various ways within certain groups in society

Gender inequalities are narrowing in some areas and locations, but in many, we are not yet closing the gap. A lot of progress has been made on the gender equality front in recent decades and many gender norms and values have shifted. These shifts go beyond challenging traditional patriarchal norms, or greater understanding and acceptance of non-binary gender identities and expressions. They also include new expressions and assertions linked to masculinity. 

The negative effects of the COVID-19 crisis on women’s employment, safety and the gender division of labour at home highlight that past progress should not be taken for granted. Developments in some countries where new policies are being introduced to restrict sexual and reproductive rights of women, also show that increasing gender equality is by no means a given in some areas.

This Trend is part of the Megatrend Widening inequalities

Manifestations

Developments happening in certain groups in society that indicate examples of change. 

Gender norms and values have shifted significantly

Traditional ideas associated with men, women and gender still shape our lives. For example for men it is 'strength, power and authority' for example, for women its 'fragility, care, emotional labour' and for gender it is either male or female. But a lot has changed in recent decades and these changes and shifts are likely to continue and evolve into new areas and new realities. Take the #MeToo movement: originally focused on exposing sexual harassment and assault offline and online, it has now expanded into a broader discussion about consent and the pitfalls of modern dating - which has been radically transformed by online dating. Also, a growing number of countries are changing their legislation to allow for the the registration of gender markers other than male or female.

Signals of change: EC, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights Watch

Some men see themselves as the 'new victims'

There are signs that growing numbers of (especially younger) men are questioning their role in society. This can have more regressive or progressive expressions. Some men feel that they are the victims of political correctness. The extreme expression of this are groups such as ’incels’ (involuntary celibates) who make violent calls for controlling women’s sexual autonomy. Expressions of male entitlement and sexism are often associated with the rise of extremist movements, especially on the far-right end of the political spectrum. At the same time, a growing number of men are vocal about supporting gender equality, want to express their emotions and are getting more involved in domestic, care and parental work. However, tensions between adhering to more modern ideas about gender, while still feeling the pressure of the traditional gender roles persist.

Signals of change: The Atlantic, EUROFOUND, Guardian

Progress towards gender equality is not a given 

Some EU countries have recently introduced laws, policies and practices that limit women’s reproductive rights and decision-making, in particular by restricting access to contraception and abortion. There have been instances of threats, hate speech, smear campaigns and even violence against people and organisations defending women’s rights.

Since 2000, progress has been made developing and integrating sex education curricula in school settings. However sex education programmes have been politicised and instrumentalized, while falling short of international human rights requirements and the World Health Organization’s standards regarding comprehensive sexuality education.

Signals of change: Council of Europe, EP, WHO, BZgH

The COVID-19 crisis has a female face

Unlike any other modern recession, the downturn triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic has created larger employment losses for women than for men. The stresses and limitations of multiple lockdowns and reduced access to support services increased the risk of domestic violence that disproportionately affects women. Women’s mental health also suffered more than men’s during the pandemic, and surveys show that they now tend to be less optimistic about the future.

But some of the changes triggered by the pandemic may, in the long-term, promote some gender equality - such as the rapid adoption of flexible work arrangements, or fathers who started to take primary responsibility for household and childcare and may continue to be more involved than before. The pandemic also highlighted the essential role of female-dominated occupations in education, health and social work. Could this recognition contribute to a quicker closing of the gender pay gap in those fields?

Signals of change: JRC, EP, European institute for Gender Equality, McKinsey

Interesting questions

What might this trend imply, what should we be aware of, what could we study in more depth? Some ideas:

• How can the disproportionately negative effects of the pandemic on women’s employment and gender division of labour at home be addressed as part of the recovery efforts?

• Does the gender equality agenda risk being side-lined due to other emergencies? 

• Where should policies address traditional ideas in society about gender (in)equality, and when should it be left up to society to change them?

• How can policy-makers guarantee the fulfilment of internationally-agreed requirements for sexual education, while still accounting for the freedom of individual member-states to structure their educational system themselves?