Despite a decade of progress, significant disparities in gender equality persist within the European Union, particularly concerning women’s representation in positions of power. A new report from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), the Gender Equality Index 2025, reveals that unequal power dynamics remain the largest obstacle to achieving full equality. The index scores EU member states on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing complete gender parity.
The EIGE report highlights a wide range in scores across the EU for the “power” category, which assesses women and men’s equality in decision-making roles in politics, economics, and society. Sweden leads with a score of 80.3, while Hungary lags far behind at 12.9. This disparity underscores the uneven progress being made across the bloc and the challenges that remain in fostering equal representation.
The State of Gender Equality in EU Power Structures
Women continue to be underrepresented in key leadership positions throughout the EU. This includes national parliaments, corporate boards, and various social institutions. According to the report, this underrepresentation isn’t simply a matter of numbers, but is also fueled by systemic barriers and societal perceptions.
In 2024, EU member states averaged 67% male and 33% female representation in their national parliaments. Similarly, women held only 34% of board member positions in the largest publicly traded companies, compared to 66% held by men. These figures demonstrate a clear imbalance in decision-making authority.
Barriers to Political Participation
The research indicates that women face specific hurdles when pursuing political careers. These include difficulties in securing adequate campaign funding and a lack of influence in candidate selection processes. These challenges can discourage qualified women from entering the political arena and limit their opportunities for advancement.
However, some progress is being made. During recent European Parliament elections, ten EU countries implemented gender quotas for candidates. The report notes that these quotas were effective in achieving gender balance in Spain, France, and Croatia, with female MEPs reaching the quota levels in those nations.
Violence and Discrimination Against Women in Politics
A disturbing finding of the EIGE report is the prevalence of violence against women in politics. A survey of 2,600 locally elected female politicians across 31 European countries revealed that nearly a third had experienced some form of violence during their political careers.
The repercussions of this violence are significant. Respondents reported feeling unsafe (41%), experiencing negative impacts on their personal lives (30%), engaging in self-censorship to avoid conflict (21%), and even withdrawing from public life altogether (12%). This violence directly undermines democratic representation and hinders progress towards gender parity.
The Role of Gender Stereotypes
The report emphasizes the role of deeply ingrained gender stereotypes in perpetuating these inequalities. These stereotypes shape public perceptions of who is considered “fit” to hold positions of power, often disadvantaging women.
Across most EU member states, more men than women agree with the statement that men in political life are more ambitious than women. This gap is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, with 48% of men aged 15-24 agreeing, compared to only 34% of young women. This suggests that these biases are being passed down to future generations.
Furthermore, a concerning percentage of EU citizens believe women lack the necessary qualities for leadership roles. While 17% of women and 22% of men hold this view, the sentiment varies significantly by country, reaching as high as 49% in Hungary and as low as 2% in the Netherlands. This highlights the importance of addressing these perceptions through education and awareness campaigns. You can learn more about the EU’s commitment to gender equality on the European Commission’s website.
Looking Ahead: Continued Efforts for Gender Equality
The EIGE’s Gender Equality Index 2025 serves as a crucial benchmark for measuring progress and identifying areas where further action is needed. While advancements have been made in certain areas, the persistent gap in women’s empowerment, particularly in positions of power, demands continued attention and targeted interventions. Addressing the systemic barriers, combating violence and discrimination, and challenging harmful gender stereotypes are essential steps towards achieving a truly equal European Union. Further monitoring of these trends and implementation of effective policies will be vital to ensure continued progress in equal opportunities for all.
The report encourages stakeholders – governments, civil society organizations, and individuals – to utilize its findings to advocate for policy changes and drive greater gender equality across the EU.
