On Friday morning, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe discussed the report on Gender equality, reconciliation of personal and working life and shared responsibility. As the authorised representative of the Group of the European People’s Party, in her address, MP Elvira Kovacs said, among other things:

“The question is whether women can reconcile their working life with their personal and family life.

On behalf of the Group of the European People’s Party, I will start with the simple fact that among the member states of the Council of Europe, there are member states and non-member states of the European Union that have instituted joint parental duties and leave, and those that have not yet done so. We must also establish adequately paid parental leave that is shared between both parents.

It is necessary to balance wages throughout one’s life cycle, close pay gaps and promote women entrepreneurs. Healthy growth of global economy also calls for an equal participation of both men and women in the highest and decision-making positions.

It is essential to eliminate inequalities and to raise awareness of the gender wage gap. Despite our differing views on this issue, we should all call for positive measures in favour of women that take into account career breaks and the different career patterns of women and men.

There is an appreciable difference between the opportunities for women and men in many Council of Europe member states. Women play a basic role in raising children and due to the difficulties in returning to the labour market, women therefore have lower personal incomes than men.

The Group of the European People's Party looks forward to a future in which we have eliminated the inequality and discrimination suffered by women in their private lives and in their careers.”