Gender Equality Task Force: Gender Equality Through a Lifelong Learning Lens
11/09/2026
On 10 September 2026, EARLALL joined fellow members of the Gender Equality Task Force in Brussels for the “Europe Is You: Young Feminist Leadership and the Institutions Within Reach” panel at the European Committee of the Regions.
The panel brought together perspectives from the European Commission, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the European Women’s Lobby, alongside young feminist leaders and civil society representatives.
The discussion came at an important moment for the EU’s gender equality agenda. In 2026, the European Commission introduced its new Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and Roadmap for Women’s Rights, setting out priorities for advancing gender equality across the EU.
The new Strategy also connects these ambitions with the EU’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Nearly five decades after its adoption, the question is not only how to reaffirm these commitments, but how to turn them into tangible change.
This is where lifelong learning has an important role to play. Education and learning can help challenge gender stereotypes, influence educational and career choices, strengthen access to skills and employment, and support participation throughout people’s lives.
What does the data tell us?
The EIGE Gender Equality Index 2025 shows that progress has been made, but equality remains far from achieved. The EU scores 63.4 out of 100, and at the current pace, full gender equality remains at least 50 years away. Participants also stressed that gaps in gender-disaggregated data make it more difficult to understand inequalities and develop effective responses.
For lifelong learning, the Index’s Knowledge domain is particularly relevant. While attainment and participation score 78.7, segregation scores only 41.8, highlighting persistent gender differences in fields of education and the pathways leading from learning to employment.
The My Voice, My Choice European Citizens’ Initiative provided a concrete example of the power of civil society mobilisation. Its work on access to safe abortion across Europe demonstrated how citizens can bring issues onto the European agenda and push for an institutional response. Participants also highlighted the importance of involving young people and youth organisations meaningfully throughout policymaking, rather than only once decisions have been taken.
Connecting gender equality with care careers
Discussions on women’s health and reproductive rights also connect with another challenge relevant to lifelong learning: the strongly gender-segregated care sector.
This link will be explored further by the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning during the European Week of Regions and Cities through the workshop “Rethinking Care Careers: Gender, Skills and Wellbeing for Stronger Regions.”
The session will look at how regional policies, education and training can help challenge gender stereotypes in care careers, strengthen inclusion and wellbeing, and contribute to more sustainable and attractive career pathways.
For EARLALL, the message is clear: moving from promises to change means embedding gender equality not only in dedicated equality policies, but also across education, skills, employment and lifelong learning.