[Brussels, 21 January 2019] The EWL welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of a non-legislative Report on gender equality and taxation policies in the EU. Passing with 313 votes in favor, 276 against and 88 abstentions, it recognises the gender biases in the existing EU taxation policies and highlights the importance of tax justice for gender quality. The Report is a step towards fairer fiscal policies and a more equal distribution of wealth, opportunities, income, goods and services.
The document urges member states to apply a gender lens to their tax systems through the introduction of individual taxation, challenging the false assumption that funds are shared equally within households. The Report also highlights the perverse effects of joint taxation on the gender pension gap, calling for increased efforts to tackle the gender pay gap.
As for indirect taxation, the EWL welcomes the emphasis placed by the Report on period poverty, urging member states to put an end to the “tampon-tax” and to make feminine products available in certain public spaces and to women with from low-income backgrounds. Finally, the document draws attention to women’s specific consumption patterns, calling for the application of a 0% VAT rate to care products for elderly, children and disabled people.
