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The EU’s regional policy is an investment policy that targets all regions and cities in the European Union. The policy aims to tackle economic, social and territorial disparities between EU regions. Gender equality is addressed in the objectives of the European Structural and Investment funds. It relates to promoting economic development and pursuing women’s empowerment.

European research still shows a significant underrepresentation of women, particularly in the ‘hard sciences’ and in leadership positions. Highly skilled women in the EU are left out, which is a considerable loss of talent. Gender equality in research is therefore not only about fairness, but also necessary to fill gaps in the EU’s labour market.

The social construction of femininity and masculinity plays a key role in sport. However, sport can also be used as a means to achieve gender equality through the promotion of values such as fair play, non-discrimination and teamwork. It can also be used to increase opportunities for girls.

Little attention has been paid to how the tourism industry impacts women and men differently. However, tourism presents both opportunities and challenges for women and must subsequently be examined through a gender lens.

Women play a key role in most fishing communities and make a significant contribution to the industry. However, they remain largely invisible and their roles are not always acknowledged at the community level.

Gender differences and inequalities between women and men are a major feature of social exclusion and poverty. A range of interrelated factors explain this, namely: the gender pay and pension gap, care burden/work–life balance, social exclusion and violence against women. Women suffer more than men from certain types of poverty.

Education is a catalyst for social change and necessary to build societies that respect human rights.
Education is needed to give women and men the skills to secure steady, well-paid jobs to avoid social exclusion. Gender equality in education is focused on gender-based choices across study fields, gender stereotypes and gender differences in educational achievements.

Entrepreneurship is crucial in creating jobs, innovation and growth. Interest in women’s entrepreneurship has grown among scholars and policymakers. Women’s entrepeneurship is about gender equality, empowerment and social inclusion, but also relates to economic growth and poverty reduction.

Gender is relevant in all areas of environmental policy. Gender relations between women and men and girls and boys have an impact on who controls environmental resources. Gender is particularly relevant in climate protection policies.