Interview: “Women's economic empowerment requires a systemic approach that ensures their representation in decision-making”

Ms. Beate Andrees has been serving as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia since June 2020, leading regional efforts to promote decent work, labor rights, and social justice. Among ILO's key priorities is advancing gender equality in the workplace and women's economic empowerment. On 21-22 October 2024, Ms. Andrees moderated a panel at the Beijing+30 Regional Review Meeting titled “Accelerating women's economic empowerment: The path to peaceful, just and inclusive societies.” In this interview, she reflects on the key outcomes of the meeting and shares ILO's vision for accelerating progress towards women's economic empowerment in the UNECE region.

What critical challenges to women's economic empowerment have emerged in the region since the Beijing+25 review or over the last five years?

The path to economic equality for women faces several persistent challenges. Women continue to be the primary caregivers in families and societies, which significantly affects their participation in the workforce.     This is particularly evident among women aged 25-34, whose employment rates are lower due to childcare responsibilities. The lack of childcare services, especially for children under three years old, combined with extended maternity leave taken mainly by women, creates barriers to sustained employment.

Another major factor is horizontal segregation in education and vocational training, which leads women to gravitate towards careers in low-paying occupations, while only a small percentage pursue STEM fields that offer better professional opportunities.

Additionally, discrimination related to motherhood and caregiving remains prevalent in the region, despite advancements in laws and equality-focused policies. Societal norms often place women in caregiving roles, limiting their professional growth and access to the workforce. Gender imbalances in workplaces contribute to violence and harassment, including widespread but often unreported sexual harassment, due to insufficient prevention and accountability measures.

What have been the key areas of progress, and which instruments have been the most effective?

In recent years, countries across the region have made significant progress in legislation, in line with ILO standards, such as on equal pay for work of equal value. We have also seen significant progress in the ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention (C. 190). In some countries of the region, the EU integration process has accelerated reforms and promoted greater gender equality.  

Women's workforce participation has gained focus in employment policies, with public services now offering targeted support for women entering or returning to work. Employers increasingly recognize the value of female talent, introducing flexible hours and family-friendly initiatives to support women with caregiving responsibilities.

Decision-makers also acknowledge that limited childcare access remains a significant barrier to women's employment. In response, countries are working to expand childcare services and facilities, though gaps remain.

What are three key actions to boost women's economic empowerment, based on the meeting discussions?

Several key actions emerged to boost women’s economic empowerment. One fundamental requirement is the integration of gender equality into national economic policies. Progress is visible in Germany, where the “Family as a Success Factor” program creates family-friendly workplaces and expands childcare services.

Enforcing equal pay for equal work remains a priority. Recent EU pay transparency legislation requires companies to disclose gender pay disparities, while Finland combines workplace equality planning with equal parental leave policies.

Efforts to support women entrepreneurs have shown promising results. Notable initiatives include Uzbekistan's interest-free loans for women's education and the “One Million Programmers” programme for women in tech, while Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan focus on developing safe business environments.

The care economy is crucial to women's workforce participation. Progressive policies in Estonia have expanded childcare services and shared parental leave, while Portugal has invested in education and work-life balance initiatives.

Social protection systems are vital to advancing women's economic empowerment. Trade unions continue to advocate for public care services, improved wages, and workplace safety.

Achieving women's economic empowerment requires a systemic approach that supports women in the workforce, reshapes societal structures, and ensures their representation in decision-making at all levels.

How is the ILO working to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action?

The ILO advances the Beijing Platform for Action by focusing on key interventions that promote workplace gender equality.

Together with Labor Ministries in Moldova and Ukraine, we strengthen women's workforce participation by expanding childcare services for children under three and developing Public Employment Services to better address women's needs.

Gender pay gap reports in several countries offer actionable recommendations to reduce wage disparities. Key measures include raising minimum wages, expanding childcare access, and supporting companies in incorporating equality clauses and flexible work arrangements.

We advocate for the ratification and implementation of International Labour Standards addressing equal pay, non-discrimination, violence and harassment, maternity protection, and decent work for domestic workers.

We focus on improving the formal employment, social security, and wages of care workers, especially those in informal, home-based settings.

To prevent workplace violence and harassment, we train labor inspectors and help enterprises develop preventive measures and victim support systems.

These interconnected efforts reinforce ILO's commitment to creating inclusive workplaces that ensure women's full economic participation, protection, and equal opportunities.