Debate contributions by Martine KEMP

Mr President, as an active member of the EMPL Committee, I am deeply committed to promoting equality at work. A gender-equal society cannot exist if women must choose between career and children. Parenthood and care work are vital contributions that must be valued and shared equally. Achieving real work-life balance means affordable child care, fair parental leave and equal opportunities for all women in all sectors. But equality alone is not enough; we must also strive for equity, recognising that women and men may face different barriers and ensuring that policies and resources respond to those differences. True fairness is not about treating everyone the same, but about giving each person what they need to thrive. Young women deserve the same opportunities as men: no pay gaps, no glass ceilings, no stereotypes. Europe cannot afford to waste their talent. This roadmap is a welcome step but principles must become real change for working women, for mothers and for the next generation of girls.

Mr President, dear colleagues, we have all heard the alarming statistics and numbers from the previous speakers and I think we can all agree that this is a silent pandemic. In times of multiple crises, our fast-paced world and the rise of screen-based technology – especially social media – expose young people to limitless, often harmful content, fuelling dissatisfaction and mental health struggles. Our children's mental health needs help and we have the responsibility to go beyond a normalisation of the conversation. We must act now. We need to actively listen and equip them with tools and education. What if every school in Europe incorporated mental health education and peer support programmes in their curricula? Also, we need to ensure timely and affordable care by reducing waiting times for consultations with specialists, making mental health support as accessible as physical health check-ups. It is time to act boldly, invest even more wisely and listen carefully. Our youth is desperately asking for help. Let's ensure that they are heard.