As part of the DISC project, a comprehensive desk-based and state-of-the-art review was conducted on the gender gap in care work across the European Union and Greece. The goal was to identify key gaps and weaknesses in current legislation, policies, and social infrastructure, as well as to examine recent developments, strategies, and successful practices at both national and EU levels. This research aimed to shed light on persistent gender inequalities in care responsibilities and to inform targeted policy recommendations.
The report also draws on feminist perspectives, recognising that since the second wave of feminism, the issues of social reproduction and women’s unpaid, often invisible, domestic labour have been central themes of critique. It presents key feminist approaches to care, focusing on the conditions under which care is provided, and how the entrenched association of care with women affects their equal participation in the labour market, politics, education, and public life.
Structured into four main parts, the report begins with a concise theoretical overview of feminist care theories (Part 1). It then provides a critical analysis of care-related policies and institutional frameworks at both EU and national levels (Parts 2 and 3), covering legislation, policy initiatives, and gender disparities in care work. Part 4 introduces alternative models and grassroots initiatives that aim to address these inequalities, along with key policy proposals. The report concludes with a comprehensive bibliography and list of sources consulted.
Researchers – authors:
Anna Vougioukas
Katerina Sergidou
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The project “DISC – Theatre-educational interventions on gender stereotypes and the equal sharing of care” is implemented by the Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network and the Diotima Centre within the framework of the CERV-2024-GE Programme, from November 2024 to October 2026, co-funded by the European Commission. Partner organizations include the Municipality of Athens and the Hellenic League for Human Rights (HLHR).
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), or the Bodossaki Foundation. The European Union and the EACEA cannot be held responsible for the views expressed.
