GUE/NGL MEP Inês Zuber's report that criticises the extremely harmful effects austerity measures have had on gender equality in the EU will be put to an MEP vote today in Strasbourg.

"There are many women, particularly in the periphery of Europe, who are suffering from wage discrimination and the vulnerabilities of precarious employment. Public services and benefits are being provided in a way which is vastly inadequate if the aim is to ensure that women can live in dignity. This is the reality."

She continued: "Looking at Troika countries, changes to labour laws which were agreed between the Commission and member states mean that collective bargaining no longer ensures wage equality. Women are working on average 59 days more than men to earn the same money."

The report also touches on reproductive and sexual health.

Zuber adds: "Reproductive and sexual health is upheld as a value but at the same time investment in health services is being cut which means this right is not being upheld in practice."

Zuber also expressed her concern over increasing levels of child poverty: "The extent to which child poverty is growing is visible to anyone who goes into a school, as there you will see that children are going to school on empty stomachs."

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group
www.guengl.eu