Question for written answer

Subject: The Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme and the Programme for Social Change and Innovation

It is well known that the most vulnerable groups as far as employment is concerned are women and young people. Statistics show that 59% of graduates in the EU are women, yet they are still paid less than men for doing the same job. Although the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme and the Programme for Social Change and Innovation already exist, it is impossible to tell how the programmes’ guidelines relate to the issue of gender equality. Since women claim that their work should be valued equally, unequal pay for men for the same work constitutes a violation of human rights, and such discrimination is placing a burden on the European economy.

Can the Commission explain how these two programmes are specifically helping to resolve the issue of women's inferior position where pay and employment are concerned?