Policies must change to achieve equality between women and men, says Parliament in a non-legislative resolution passed by 441 votes to 205 with 52 abstentions on Tuesday. Despite progress on some gender inequality issues, much remains to be done to reduce pay gaps, remove “glass ceilings” on women’s careers, remedy their lack of economic independence, improve their work/life balance, including parental leave, and protect their rights and access to contraception and abortion.

“The verdict is less than glorious: change is too slow and women’s rights are suffering the effects of this. But the majority in favour of the resolution shows that the European Parliament backs the fight for wage equality, efforts to combat violence against women, agree on maternity leave proposals and safeguard access to abortion“, said rapporteur Marc Tarabella (S&D, BE) after the vote.