Ensuring gender equality in nursing

The EU Parliament has adopted a report on gender equality in the care and support sector. The MPs are calling for various measures to reduce the unequal distribution of care and support work between men and women and to better secure care in the long term. Specifically, Parliament is in favor of unpaid care work being given greater consideration in pension and social security systems in the future. In addition, information campaigns should break down traditional role models and encourage men to take on an equal share of care and support tasks. The MPs are also committed to a so-called “care society” that places greater emphasis on domestic services, intergenerational solidarity and a self-determined life. In addition, Parliament is calling for a “European Statute for Caregivers” that would give nursing professions greater recognition and create EU-wide minimum standards. Better working conditions, fair wages and more training opportunities for employees in the care sector are also called for. In addition, the MPs emphasize that access to care and support is a fundamental right and, in view of demographic change, requires sustainable financing. The EU member states should therefore invest more in high-quality and affordable care offerings. The background to the report is that care and support work in Europe continues to be predominantly carried out by women, both unpaid in the private sphere and at work. In Parliament's view, this contributes significantly to differences in income, career opportunities and pension provision between men and women. Attention: The voting results shown on the right only reflect the voting behavior of the 96 German MEPs and not that of all 720 MEPs. The report was adopted overall by 263 votes in favour, 83 against and 154 abstentions. Of the German MEPs, 36 voted for and 16 against. There were 24 abstentions.

Vote breakdown