The price of austerity : The impact on women's rights and gender equality in Europe

This report considers the evidence on the impact of austerity measures on women’s rights and gender equality in Europe. Based on data from European Women's Lobby (EWL) member organisations in 13 countries and recent research from a range of sources, it reveals that the European austerity policies undermine women’s rights, perpetuate existing gender equalities and create new ones, and hamper the prospects of sustainable and equal economic progress in Europe. The recent cuts in public spending in European Union member states, sanctioned by the European Commission, have the most impact those who have little voice in economic decision-making: women, children, and the elderly.This report considers the evidence on the impact of austerity measures on women’s rights and gender equality in Europe. Based on data from European Women's Lobby (EWL) member organisations in 13 countries and recent research from a range of sources, it reveals that the European austerity policies undermine women’s rights, perpetuate existing gender equalities and create new ones, and hamper the prospects of sustainable and equal economic progress in Europe. The recent cuts in public spending in European Union member states, sanctioned by the European Commission, have the most impact those who have little voice in economic decision-making: women, children, and the elderly