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EESC exposes the hidden toll of unpaid and undervalued women's labour in Europe

Migrant women bear the brunt of Europe's invisible labour crisis. Experts demand action to end exploitation in care and domestic roles—will policymakers listen?

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The image shows a poster with text and images that reads "Child Labor is a National Menace - Shall...
The image shows a poster with text and images that reads "Child Labor is a National Menace - Shall We Let Industry Shackle the Nation". The poster features a group of people of different ages, genders, and ethnicities, all standing together in solidarity. The text is written in bold, black font against a white background, emphasizing the importance of the message.

EESC exposes the hidden toll of unpaid and undervalued women's labour in Europe

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a panel discussion on unpaid and undervalued labour. Titled Invisible work, visible impact, the event examined the challenges faced by women—particularly migrant workers—in care and domestic roles across Europe. Speakers stressed the urgent need for policy changes to address systemic inequalities. EESC President Séamus Boland opened the session by criticising the lack of respect for women whose contributions remain unrecognised. He set the tone for discussions on dignity and fairness in sectors heavily reliant on female labour.

Marie-Pierre Le Breton, an EESC member, underscored the economic significance of unpaid and informal care work, which women disproportionately perform. She warned that such roles often harm their health, job prospects, and financial security. Nicoletta Merlo focused on migrant women in domestic and care work, describing their precarious conditions and limited rights. She cited cases where qualified professionals end up in lower-paid jobs due to unrecognised skills. Shannon Pfohman of Eurocarers highlighted the long-term care sector’s dependence on unpaid carers and migrant workers. The panel explored structural barriers that keep this labour invisible and unprotected, calling for policies to ensure fair treatment.

The event brought together experts to expose the hidden burdens of unpaid and undervalued work. Their findings pointed to widespread exploitation, especially among migrant women, and the need for stronger legal protections. The discussions aimed to push for concrete reforms in labour recognition and social support systems.

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