- Canadian women's coach, two aides out after drone scandal
- Sinner turns aside Fritz to close in on ATP Finals last four
- Global stocks slip as markets take post-US election breather
- UN condemns 'acts reminiscent of the gravest international crimes' in Gaza
- US bans flights to Haiti as gang violence rages
- Aga Khan emerald fetches record $9 mn in Geneva auction
- Venezuela crackdown helped avert 'civil war': attorney general
- Trump shapes team ahead of White House return
- Climate cash should also go to nuclear, says UN atomic chief
- Free Facebook in EU with less targeted ads
- Dupont set to be fit for New Zealand despite illness
- New balls, please, plead top men's tennis players
- Ban rules Radradra out of Fiji's final November internationals
- US contractor ordered to pay $42 mn to Iraqis tortured at Abu Ghraib
- Lame-duck US climate team vows to be 'effective' at COP29
- Painter Frank Auerbach, contemporary of Freud and Bacon, dies at 93
- UN carbon market inches closer after COP29 agreement
- US finalizes waste methane fine on drillers, but future uncertain
- Fifteen inmates killed in new Ecuador jail massacre
- Trump tariff worries trip up stocks rally, dollar climbs
- Israel opens Gaza humanitarian crossing but aid groups say not enough
- 35 killed, dozens wounded in south China car ramming
- 'Carbon-neutral' countries demand credit at COP29
- FA investigates Premier League referee Coote over video rant
- Boeing expects post-strike output recovery to take several weeks
- Trump shapes cabinet ahead of White House return
- Blinken in emergency Brussels trip on Ukraine after Trump win
- All Blacks scrum-halves 'inspired' to play 'master' Dupont
- Medvedev sees off De Minaur to boost ATP Finals bid
- Lindt disputes US lawsuit claims, stands by 'excellence' labelling
- Trump tariff worries trip up stocks rally
- UK to beef up its emissions cuts as it bids to be 'climate leader'
- Nations to submit boosted climate plans: what's at stake?
- French footballer Ben Yedder gets suspended jail term for sexual assault
- Nuclear watchdog chief says room to manoeuvre on Iran 'shrinking'
- Russia jails doctor over alleged Ukraine comments during consultation
- EU vessels to cease fishing in Senegal after accord expires
- Bayer shares hit 20-yr low as problems pile up
- Russian MPs pass law banning 'propaganda' of childless lifestyles
- NATO 'must do more than just keep Ukraine in fight', says Rutte
- EU unity in a 'world on fire': Kallas makes top diplomat pitch
- UK vows to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% on 1990 levels by 2035
- Crisis-hit Germany headed for February 23 snap election
- C.Africa urges lifting of embargo on diamond exports
- Poland hoping Swiatek can inspire BJK Cup 'revenge' against Spain
- Court challenge begins against UK oil and gas field approvals
- Stock markets retreat on Trump tariff worries
- Spain PM accused of 'blackmail' by tying budget to flood aid
- Lineker to leave Match of the Day after 26 years
- New EU chief diplomat backs Ukraine as bloc's top team faces grilling
RBGPF | 0.05% | 60.22 | $ | |
RYCEF | -2.37% | 7.16 | $ | |
SCS | 0.15% | 13.67 | $ | |
NGG | -1.97% | 62.9 | $ | |
RELX | -2.6% | 46.59 | $ | |
CMSC | -0.73% | 24.54 | $ | |
AZN | 0.61% | 65.19 | $ | |
CMSD | -0.85% | 24.75 | $ | |
RIO | -2.29% | 61.2 | $ | |
GSK | -2.34% | 35.52 | $ | |
BTI | 0.26% | 35.24 | $ | |
BCC | -1.42% | 141.13 | $ | |
VOD | -10.04% | 8.47 | $ | |
BCE | -0.58% | 27.69 | $ | |
JRI | -2.27% | 13.22 | $ | |
BP | -2.7% | 28.16 | $ |
EU: Overcoming barriers to equality
The need to overcome barriers to equality in the EU and worldwide!
In a globalised world characterised by progress and innovation, equality remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. Despite numerous efforts, significant barriers that disadvantage people based on their gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation or other characteristics remain. It is essential for society in the European Union and worldwide to overcome these barriers to ensure a fairer and more prosperous future.
Equality as a cornerstone of democracy
Equality for all is a fundamental principle of democratic societies. It forms the basis for social justice and respect for human rights. In the European Union, equality is not only a moral imperative, but also enshrined in law. Nevertheless, statistics show that discrimination and inequality persist. For example, women in the EU earn on average 14.1% less than men, and minorities often face prejudice and disadvantage.
The economic benefits of equality
Overcoming barriers to equality is not only an ethical obligation, but also brings significant economic benefits. Studies have shown that countries with higher equality tend to have stronger economic growth. An inclusive labour market, where all talents are used regardless of gender or origin, leads to more innovation and productivity. In addition, equality reduces the costs arising from social tensions and inequalities.
Promoting social cohesion and peace
Inequality can lead to social unrest, conflict and instability. By removing barriers to equality, social cohesion is strengthened. A society in which all members have equal rights and opportunities is more resilient to extremism and intolerance. This is particularly important in a world facing global challenges such as migration, climate change and pandemics.
Identify and remove barriers
The barriers to equality are many and often deeply rooted in cultural norms and institutional structures. They include, among other things:
- Discriminatory laws: Some countries still have laws that disadvantage certain groups.
- Prejudices and stereotypes: Social attitudes can lead to people being discriminated against because of their gender, skin colour or other characteristics.
- Access to education and resources: Unequal access to education, healthcare and financial resources widens the gap between different social groups.
- Violence and harassment: Physical and psychological violence against certain groups is a significant barrier to equality.
Measures to promote equality - Overcoming these barriers requires a coordinated effort at various levels
- Political reforms: Governments need to enact and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equality.
- Education and awareness: Educational programmes can reduce prejudice and create awareness of the importance of equality.
- Economic empowerment: Initiatives to support disadvantaged groups in accessing the labour market and financial resources are crucial.
- International cooperation: Global challenges require global solutions. The EU can take a leading role here and share best practices.
Conclusion:
Overcoming obstacles to equality is of central importance for a just, peaceful and prosperous society. It is the shared responsibility of governments, institutions, companies and each individual to actively participate in this change. Only through consistent efforts can we create a world in which all people enjoy the same opportunities and rights – for the benefit of the European Union and the entire global community.