Gender Equality

EU Gender-Neutral Job Evaluation Toolkit Launched by EIGE and Commission

EIGE and the European Commission have launched an EU-wide gender-neutral job evaluation and classification toolkit to help employers of all sizes design objective, bias-free job evaluation systems and support implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive.[^1^](https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gender-neutral-job-evaluation?language_content_entity=en#:~:text=This%20toolkit%20helps%20organisations%20across%20the%20EU%20carry%20out%20gender-neutral%20job%20evaluation%20and%20classification.) For HR, compliance and ESG teams, the toolkit provides an authoritative template for aligning job evaluation and pay structures with Directive (EU) 2023/970, reducing equal-pay litigation risk and shaping how regulators and social partners expect gender-neutral job evaluation to be carried out in practice.[^1^](https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/toolkits/gender-neutral-job-evaluation?language_content_entity=en#:~:text=Reduced%20legal%20risks%20and%20improved%20compliance%20with%20Directive%20(EU)%202023/970%20on%20pay%20transparency)

10 Apr 2026, 13:40eige.europa.euEuropean Union

UK Updates Gender Pay Gap Guidance With Voluntary Action Plans for Large Employers

The UK Government has updated its statutory gender pay gap guidance to introduce voluntary action plans for employers with 250+ staff and signal that these plans are expected to become mandatory from spring 2027, subject to legislation. Large UK employers should treat this as early notice to strengthen gender pay data analysis and structured action planning so they can comply smoothly if publishing action plans alongside annual gender pay gap reports becomes a legal duty.

10 Apr 2026, 12:37gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Sweden Calls For Renegotiation And Delay Of EU Pay Transparency Directive

Sweden has announced its intent to renegotiate and delay the EU Pay Transparency Directive (2023/970), citing excessive administrative burdens ahead of the June 2026 transposition deadline. This move signals significant political friction that could disrupt implementation timelines and lead to future regulatory simplification for large employers across the EU.

29 Mar 2026, 06:23regeringen.seEuropean UnionSweden

Greece Ministry of Labour Receives Report on Transposing EU Pay Transparency Directive 2023/970 and Schedules Social Partner Meeting

Greece has initiated the final consultation phase for transposing the EU Pay Transparency Directive, with a national bill expected ahead of the June 2026 deadline. Employers in Greece must prepare for mandatory pay reporting and transparency requirements, necessitating a review of compensation structures to ensure compliance with gender-neutral criteria.

28 Mar 2026, 20:28ypergasias.gov.grGreece

UN CEDAW Adopts Concluding Observations on Czechia's Gender Equality in Employment and Corporate Governance

The UN CEDAW Committee has issued formal recommendations for Czechia to implement mandatory pay-gap audits, binding gender quotas for corporate boards, and stricter labor market enforcement. Companies face increased pressure to align with EU pay transparency standards, with future compliance potentially tied to the acquisition of operating permits and licenses.

28 Mar 2026, 09:00documents-dds-ny.un.orgCzechia

UK Parliament Introduces Personal Protective Equipment (Inclusive Standards) Bill

The UK Parliament has introduced a Bill requiring public sector PPE procurement to comply with the BS 30417:2025 inclusive standards. Suppliers should monitor this shift toward gender-inclusive PPE design, as it signals future contractual requirements and potential broader market expectations for equipment fit and safety.

27 Mar 2026, 18:14bills.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

Norwegian Government Signals Occupational Injury Law Proposal and Updated Occupational Disease List

Norway is preparing a new occupational injury bill for summer 2026 and an updated occupational disease list for year-end implementation. Businesses should prepare for broadened compensation criteria and potential increases in liability, particularly for high-strain and emergency-related roles.

27 Mar 2026, 11:57regjeringen.noNorway

Austria: Corporate Code Amendments To Implement Directive (EU) 2022/2381

Austria is advancing legislation to implement the EU Women on Boards Directive, mandating gender balance reporting for listed companies starting June 2026. Affected firms must integrate board diversity metrics into corporate governance reports and prepare for stricter enforcement through potential financial penalties for non-disclosure.

25 Mar 2026, 21:45parlament.gv.atAustriaEuropean Union

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1166 Would Require Break Time and Facilities for Breastfeeding Employees

Wisconsin has introduced legislation (AB1166) to codify federal breastfeeding protections into state law, mandating specific workplace facilities including private spaces with running water and refrigeration. Impacted employers should assess facility infrastructure and update HR protocols to manage new state-level compliance obligations and litigation risks.

22 Mar 2026, 14:09docs.legis.wisconsin.govUnited States

Netherlands State Commission Publishes Preadvies Bundle On Future Non-Discrimination Law Reforms

The Dutch State Commission against Discrimination and Racism has published a comprehensive reform proposal (March 2026) aimed at modernizing the Netherlands' non-discrimination legal framework. Businesses should prepare for potential new proactive duties regarding "transformative equality," including stricter requirements for algorithmic transparency, equality data management, and enhanced workplace accessibility adjustments.

20 Mar 2026, 06:41zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Netherlands Publishes 'Keer Op Keer' Progress Report On Cumulative And Intersectional Discrimination

The Dutch State Commission Against Discrimination and Racism released a progress report on March 18, 2026, highlighting systemic cumulative discrimination across sectors including employment and public services. While creating no immediate legal obligations, the report signals a shift toward data-driven, intersectional anti-discrimination policies that may lead to stricter oversight of corporate DEI and recruitment practices.

20 Mar 2026, 06:40zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Connecticut Senate Bill 345 (2026) Proposes Breastfeeding Breaks, Security Screening Hours and Workplace Heat Safety Task Force

Connecticut is advancing legislation to mandate breastfeeding facilities, classify security screenings as paid time, and establish a heat safety task force by late 2026. Businesses should prepare for increased operational costs and facility requirements while monitoring the task force for upcoming heat-stress regulations.

19 Mar 2026, 19:29cga.ct.govUnited States

Austria Proposes 40% Gender Quota for Supervisory Boards of Listed Companies

Austria has proposed a draft law implementing the EU Women on Boards Directive, introducing a 40% gender quota for supervisory boards of listed companies from July 2025. Impacted firms face stricter board composition mandates and enhanced reporting obligations, with non-compliance potentially resulting in invalid appointments and commercial register blocks.

19 Mar 2026, 19:26parlament.gv.atAustria

Galicia (Issga) Publishes Technical Guidance on Occupational Risks in Wineries

Galicia's Issga has released comprehensive technical guidance on occupational risk prevention specifically for the winery sector as of March 2026. Wine producers in the region should review these guidelines to ensure site safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and worker training align with regional HSE strategy.

19 Mar 2026, 10:05issga.xunta.galSpain

Global Framework on Chemicals Launches 2026 Baseline Data Collection Survey (Closes 24 April 2026)

The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) has launched a baseline data collection survey, open until April 24, 2026, to establish indicators for tracking global chemicals and waste management progress. Participation offers industry stakeholders an early opportunity to influence the metrics used for future global reporting and policy benchmarking on substances of concern and supply chain transparency.

18 Mar 2026, 16:13ee.kobotoolbox.orgGlobal

UN CEDAW Committee Issues Addendum to General Recommendation No. 30 on Women in Conflict Situations

The UN CEDAW Committee has released updated guidance on protecting women's rights within conflict prevention and post-conflict recovery frameworks. Businesses operating in or sourcing from high-risk areas should anticipate heightened expectations for gender-responsive human rights due diligence and conflict-sensitive reporting.

14 Mar 2026, 08:31ohchr.orgGlobal

European Parliament Publishes Roll-Call Results For 11 March 2026 Plenary Session

European Parliament plenary votes on March 11, 2026, confirmed the extension of ePrivacy derogations and advanced key files on AI, gender equality, and the single market. This progress underscores a tightening regulatory environment for digital services and social reporting, necessitating proactive alignment with emerging EU standards for data and governance.

13 Mar 2026, 06:25europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Parliament Adopts Resolution on Gender Pay and Pension Gap and Gender-Neutral Job Evaluation

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution demanding strict enforcement of the Pay Transparency Directive and new EU-level standards for gender-neutral job evaluations. Organizations should brace for intensified scrutiny of pay structures and social reporting as the EU moves toward mandatory gender equality targets and harmonized job classification frameworks.

12 Mar 2026, 13:56europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Manitoba Amends Workplace Safety Regulation To Require Free Menstrual Products In Workplaces

Manitoba will mandate free menstrual products in all provincial workplaces starting August 2026, becoming the first Canadian province to implement such requirements. Employers must update facility management and procurement protocols to ensure compliance with new hygiene provision standards ahead of enforcement inspections.

12 Mar 2026, 12:39news.gov.mb.caCanada

Brazilian Chamber Relator Backs Pepper Spray Self-Defence Bill (PL 727/2026)

Brazil's Chamber of Deputies is advancing Bill PL 727/2026 to legalize and regulate the sale and possession of pepper spray for women's self-defense. Manufacturers and retailers must prepare for ANVISA-led technical standards and strict buyer-tracking requirements as Brazil shifts its stance on non-lethal chemical irritants.

12 Mar 2026, 11:14camara.leg.brBrazil