Economic processes have a profound influence on social life, gender relations and equality between women and men. This paper analyses the current economic system from a critical feminist perspective with the aim to propose a radical shift in economic policy aiming to build a new
Purple Pact, Gender egalitarian and sustainable economy
Context
A policy paper by the European Women's Lobby (EWL) proposing the 'Purple Pact', a feminist economic framework for Europe, published in three chapters addressing macro-economic policy, the care economy, and the future of women's employment.
Objectives
Build an inclusive economy based on full participation of women in all areas of life and equal representation in decision-making, including economic decision-making, with a universal social care system at its centre.
Activities
Chapter 1 proposes a 'Purple Economy' integrating a gender perspective into macro-economic, fiscal and employment policy; Chapter 2 proposes a 'New Care Deal' building state-supported care infrastructure and services; Chapter 3 analyses future labour-market challenges (ageing, atypical work, the gig economy, migration, intersectionality) from a gender perspective.
Conclusions
The paper offers recommendations to European and national policy-makers to reshape the economy on the basis of a feminist approach, framed as an invitation ('Pact') rather than an implemented programme.