The Decline of Female Representation in the European Parliament

The European Parliament, elected in June, marks a significant turning point in its history, as it witnesses the first decrease in the number of women Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This shift raises important questions about the leadership dynamics within various committees and the current state of female representation in these influential bodies.

Jéromine Andolfatto, a prominent voice from the European Women’s Lobby, emphasizes the male-dominated landscape of many of these committees, particularly those traditionally viewed as “serious.” She remarks, “The key portfolios—those involving money and power, such as foreign affairs, budget, and economy—are generally led by men in committee roles.” This gender imbalance extends beyond leadership roles; it is reflected in the overall composition of committee members as well.

For example, Andolfatto points out the stark gender disparity in several key committees:

• Foreign Affairs Committee: 79 members, only 14 of whom are women.
• Budget Committee: 40 members, with just 8 women.
• Economy Committee: 60 members, including only 16 women.

The Impact of the Extreme Right

While the current male-female ratio is alarming, Andolfatto clarifies that this imbalance is not solely a consequence of the rise of extreme right parties in the recent elections. However, she expresses concern about the role of women elected from these parties, stating that they do not necessarily champion women’s rights, which is worrying. “Far-right parties or groups in the European Parliament may showcase a significant representation of women,” she notes, “but they are generally not advocates for women’s rights and can often be quite hostile toward them.”

In this new legislative term, Andolfatto highlights her commitment to actively identify allies who will support women’s rights initiatives. The European Women’s Lobby has recognized that the EU has made notable strides in establishing key legislation over the past five years, including groundbreaking laws targeting gender-based violence.

Furthermore, the organization is advocating for a dedicated budget specifically aimed at promoting women’s rights, alongside stringent conditions for tenders and budget allocations. Andolfatto shares that they are also pushing for gender parity within the College of Commissioners, a goal that has garnered support from President Ursula von der Leyen herself.