European Trade Union Committee for Education

In a European society which aims to reach fundamental rights for all citizens, promoting equality for all remains important. Men and women must have the same rights and possibilities for self-realisation both in the labour market and in family life. For a truly modern country, existing double standards need to be abolished. European member states should implement measures to tackle the gender pay gap and promote organisations which provide physical and emotional support for abused and/or wronged people.

Romanian teacher unions believe that understanding and respect for everyone is necessary and gender equality must become a reality in modern Romania. The unions are engaged not only in implementing equal rights for women and men in their own organisation but in the education sector in general.

Beyond the progress achieved, further measures are still needed to reduce the gender pay gap and tackle the "glass ceiling" that blocks women's career opportunities. Women in Romania still suffer from a lack of financial independence. That is why measures need to be stepped up regarding the improvement of reconciliation of work and family life, enhancing especially parental leave legislation.