First, it in interesting how our liberal college campuses call out things like white privilege, then turn to nearly lily-white Europe as the example on how all things should be done.
Second, an American engineer is paid $105k per year (average) by mid-career. An engineer in the EU average $70k (source was an Electronic Design News Salary Survey). Yes, they get “free” education and healthcare (paid by a near 50% income tax and a 25% VAT) as well as 5–6 weeks vacation, and of course, maternity leave. So, even taking unpaid leave you will still end up at end-of career making 7-figures more than an EU counterpart.
But the cost is lower pay. Money has to come from somewhere. Eventually wages will be lowered to give those who take time off money from those who do not. The result is significantly lower pay, at least for professionals. But at least the Gender Studies graduates will be happier, as engineers will only make 2x more than them, not 3x. But then, I suspect this is the entire reason behind this movement.