In recent years there has been a brutal increase in gender inequality in Europe and in the world, an inequality that is felt in all areas and not only is there no progress but there has been an obvious regression. In the European labour area, the wage gap is at 16%. Currently, the large amount of part-time work, contract instability or difficult access to the labour market for younger women are some of the biggest problems faced by female workers.

Sectors and professions are segregated. In addition, in almost all sectors, men are more often promoted to management positions. This "vertical" segregation explains a significant proportion of the wage gap between men and women, as well as the consolidation of the so-called "glass ceiling" which limits women in their labour and professional progression.

As a result of these inequalities, women are again discriminated against, as the duration of the professional career has a direct effect on the gap in retirement pensions. In the field of health and civil rights, the WHO estimates that the complications derived from unsafe abortions cause 47,000 deaths annually and represent 13% of the total maternal deaths in the world.

 For all this, as Party of the European Left, we demand in labour issues:

• The elimination of the wage gap by law, in the case of the EU, as established by the TFEU in its article 157 and in article 4 of the recast Directive on equality between men and women (2006/54/EC) which establishes the principle of wage equality: equal work, equal salary.

• A real European battle against the sectoral and professional segregation. Combat stereotypes and segregation in education, training and the labour market, emphasizing equal opportunities and promoting access for women in productive sectors which are filled by men.

• The economic empowerment of women is urgently needed through the promotion of policies focused on the balance between family and professional life.

• Economic independence, with an effective distribution of housework and with States which guarantee public services, job stability and equal pay.

• A public system that guarantees decent pensions for all, regardless of the civil status or the work carried out is essential.

Finally, The EL supports all the mobilizations that are made on March the 8th: feminist strikes, demonstrations, rallies and all the events that call for equality throughout Europe and the world.