Female empowerment is a cornerstone of EU gender policy. Progress towards gender equity within the Member States involves all aspects of society. A variety of political, economic, social and cultural elements that can empower women are at stake. Data on education and reproductive health points to the basis of female empowerment, that is, the development of women’s intellectual capacities and physical potential to participate in society. Data on women in the labour market highlights women’s potential to play a full part in working life and the i