On 4th of September, EU40 organised a high-level roundtable on gender equality in the industry sector in general and in the petrochemical industry specifically. The discussion was hosted by MEP Biljana Borzan (S&D Group, FEMM Substitute) and followed by a networking brunch from 11.00 to 11.30.

We roundtable addressed the famous (or infamous) “glass ceiling” experienced by numerous women aspiring to work in top positions and / or in male-dominated sectors. Female players are largely invisible on the highest levels and face inequalities with regards to education, training and salaries.

Speakers and participants discussed how the STEM sector could effectively support female potential, establish role models and attract more women into leadership positions?

Speakers included

MEP Bilijana Borzan – S&D Group, FEMM Substitute

Doris Wolfslehner – Federal Chancellery, Austrian Presidency 

Anne van Nistelrooij – Team Leader, Gender Equality unit DG Justice, European Commission

Dorothee Arns – Executive Director, Petrochemicals Europe

Germnana Viglietta – Social Attaché, Italian Permanent Representation to the European Union

Irene Wintermayr – Policy Officer, International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Presentations

Anne van Nistelrooij:  Gender equality for different angles of society – bridging the gap

Doris Wolfslehner: Gender equality under the Austrian Council Presidency

Dorothee Arns: Gender equality in the 21st century – an industry perspective

Event pictures