CEF.UP – MaR Seminar/Webinar

Tuesday – March 5^th , 2024 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Room 631 | Online

“Tackling the Hidden Gender Gap: Unveiling Discrimination in EU Recovery Strategies”

Maria Bastida Dominguez – Universidade de Santiago de Compostela – Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (Spain)

Abstract:

“This paper presents an analysis of the overlooked gender disparities in the European Union’s economic recovery plans, with a focus on Spain. The novel use of the input-output model in this study quantitatively reveals the gender gap inherent in these initiatives. A central part of the analysis is the examination of Spain’s National Action Plan, which, despite appearing genderneutral, inadvertently perpetuates gender inequalities. The study finds that the EU’s commitment to gender equality is not reflected in the actual implementation of recovery strategies, which tend to favour male-dominated sectors, marginalizing industries with higher female employment significantly affected by the pandemic. The use of the input-output model in this research positions it at the methodological forefront for addressing the gender gap in economic policy. The findings emphasize the discrepancy between policy intentions and actual implementation, highlighting the need for integrating gender-sensitive approaches into economic recovery plans to ensure equitable and inclusive post-pandemic recovery in the EU. Such integration is essential to ensure that post-pandemic recovery is not only equitable but also inclusive, effectively bridging the gap between policy and practice in the EU’s approach to economic recovery. ”