Zürcher Nachrichten - EU: Overcoming barriers to equality

EUR -
AED 3.937293
AFN 72.892552
ALL 98.244053
AMD 415.028639
ANG 1.932939
AOA 978.152699
ARS 1065.248883
AUD 1.628384
AWG 1.929498
AZN 1.82656
BAM 1.945173
BBD 2.165469
BDT 128.158616
BGN 1.955847
BHD 0.404058
BIF 3108.636113
BMD 1.071943
BND 1.417555
BOB 7.427352
BRL 6.14878
BSD 1.07254
BTN 90.484796
BWP 14.224286
BYN 3.509824
BYR 21010.092348
BZD 2.161749
CAD 1.491149
CDF 3072.190422
CHF 0.938444
CLF 0.037697
CLP 1040.171506
CNY 7.696451
CNH 7.631482
COP 4672.333675
CRC 548.602735
CUC 1.071943
CUP 28.406502
CVE 109.878382
CZK 25.252792
DJF 190.506218
DKK 7.458202
DOP 64.825826
DZD 143.407859
EGP 52.840708
ERN 16.079152
ETB 130.245286
FJD 2.422861
FKP 0.820218
GBP 0.829556
GEL 2.916105
GGP 0.820218
GHS 17.595995
GIP 0.820218
GMD 76.648087
GNF 9250.872675
GTQ 8.290704
GYD 224.384088
HKD 8.334307
HNL 26.86332
HRK 7.384651
HTG 141.128949
HUF 407.33964
IDR 16784.169539
ILS 4.019585
IMP 0.820218
INR 90.461579
IQD 1404.245968
IRR 45120.785323
ISK 148.700414
JEP 0.820218
JMD 170.15718
JOD 0.760119
JPY 163.472496
KES 138.281086
KGS 92.405601
KHR 4362.810368
KMF 493.496025
KPW 964.748897
KRW 1498.373737
KWD 0.328733
KYD 0.893717
KZT 527.960587
LAK 23507.721047
LBP 96815.470018
LKR 313.77279
LRD 203.03014
LSL 18.898772
LTL 3.165171
LVL 0.648408
LYD 5.199334
MAD 10.608493
MDL 19.234911
MGA 4973.818152
MKD 61.432669
MMK 3481.630632
MNT 3642.463999
MOP 8.587582
MRU 42.803109
MUR 49.742188
MVR 16.561932
MWK 1860.894263
MXN 21.634854
MYR 4.697797
MZN 68.501186
NAD 18.898768
NGN 1788.087896
NIO 39.420763
NOK 11.789053
NPR 144.777018
NZD 1.796765
OMR 0.412719
PAB 1.07253
PEN 4.041629
PGK 4.303586
PHP 62.644779
PKR 298.054288
PLN 4.328326
PYG 8386.182486
QAR 3.902679
RON 4.975859
RSD 116.995661
RUB 104.617312
RWF 1460.523001
SAR 4.026148
SBD 8.940816
SCR 14.53744
SDG 644.777948
SEK 11.594093
SGD 1.42262
SHP 0.820218
SLE 24.494306
SLL 22478.115525
SOS 612.080094
SRD 37.486261
STD 22187.065938
SVC 9.38464
SYP 2693.290457
SZL 18.89876
THB 36.682302
TJS 11.400613
TMT 3.762522
TND 3.343932
TOP 2.510603
TRY 36.850571
TTD 7.288181
TWD 34.568074
TZS 2862.08947
UAH 44.275377
UGX 3925.552926
USD 1.071943
UYU 44.804377
UZS 13753.035298
VEF 3883171.596107
VES 47.8513
VND 27093.371637
VUV 127.263316
WST 3.002711
XAF 652.392683
XAG 0.031778
XAU 0.000394
XCD 2.896981
XDR 0.804107
XOF 651.741996
XPF 119.331742
YER 267.798322
ZAR 18.857206
ZMK 9648.781561
ZMW 29.198205
ZWL 345.165366
  • GSK

    -0.3700

    36.29

    -1.02%

  • JRI

    0.1600

    13.53

    +1.18%

  • SCS

    0.0600

    13.14

    +0.46%

  • BCC

    1.4700

    142.32

    +1.03%

  • RBGPF

    0.0100

    61.4

    +0.02%

  • CMSD

    0.2350

    25.125

    +0.94%

  • NGG

    -0.3600

    63.94

    -0.56%

  • BCE

    0.3000

    28.37

    +1.06%

  • CMSC

    0.1600

    24.84

    +0.64%

  • RYCEF

    -0.0700

    7.14

    -0.98%

  • AZN

    -0.2000

    64.49

    -0.31%

  • RIO

    -3.0400

    64.43

    -4.72%

  • BP

    -0.8800

    28.93

    -3.04%

  • BTI

    -0.0100

    35.39

    -0.03%

  • VOD

    -0.0100

    9.31

    -0.11%

  • RELX

    0.3200

    47.98

    +0.67%


EU: Overcoming barriers to equality




The need to overcome barriers to equality in the EU and worldwide!

In a globalised world characterised by progress and innovation, equality remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. Despite numerous efforts, significant barriers that disadvantage people based on their gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation or other characteristics remain. It is essential for society in the European Union and worldwide to overcome these barriers to ensure a fairer and more prosperous future.

Equality as a cornerstone of democracy
Equality for all is a fundamental principle of democratic societies. It forms the basis for social justice and respect for human rights. In the European Union, equality is not only a moral imperative, but also enshrined in law. Nevertheless, statistics show that discrimination and inequality persist. For example, women in the EU earn on average 14.1% less than men, and minorities often face prejudice and disadvantage.

The economic benefits of equality
Overcoming barriers to equality is not only an ethical obligation, but also brings significant economic benefits. Studies have shown that countries with higher equality tend to have stronger economic growth. An inclusive labour market, where all talents are used regardless of gender or origin, leads to more innovation and productivity. In addition, equality reduces the costs arising from social tensions and inequalities.

Promoting social cohesion and peace
Inequality can lead to social unrest, conflict and instability. By removing barriers to equality, social cohesion is strengthened. A society in which all members have equal rights and opportunities is more resilient to extremism and intolerance. This is particularly important in a world facing global challenges such as migration, climate change and pandemics.

Identify and remove barriers
The barriers to equality are many and often deeply rooted in cultural norms and institutional structures. They include, among other things:

- Discriminatory laws: Some countries still have laws that disadvantage certain groups.
- Prejudices and stereotypes: Social attitudes can lead to people being discriminated against because of their gender, skin colour or other characteristics.
- Access to education and resources: Unequal access to education, healthcare and financial resources widens the gap between different social groups.
- Violence and harassment: Physical and psychological violence against certain groups is a significant barrier to equality.

Measures to promote equality - Overcoming these barriers requires a coordinated effort at various levels
- Political reforms: Governments need to enact and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equality.
- Education and awareness: Educational programmes can reduce prejudice and create awareness of the importance of equality.
- Economic empowerment: Initiatives to support disadvantaged groups in accessing the labour market and financial resources are crucial.
- International cooperation: Global challenges require global solutions. The EU can take a leading role here and share best practices.

Conclusion:
Overcoming obstacles to equality is of central importance for a just, peaceful and prosperous society. It is the shared responsibility of governments, institutions, companies and each individual to actively participate in this change. Only through consistent efforts can we create a world in which all people enjoy the same opportunities and rights – for the benefit of the European Union and the entire global community.