Gender economic disparities in Central Europe

Recent reports across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland highlight persistent economic and gender-based disparities in the labor market, largely driven by part-time employment and unpaid care responsibilities.

In Switzerland, research indicates that while the proportion of men working part-time has more than doubled since 2000—rising from approximately 10 percent to over 20 percent—a significant gender gap remains, with roughly 60 percent of employed women working part-time. Additionally, studies in Lausanne show that young women continue to earn less than men despite higher educational qualifications, with a 14 percent income gap noted for those born in 1995.

In Austria, the 2026 Vorarlberg Equality Report shows a stark contrast in employment patterns, with 82 percent of women working part-time compared to only 6 percent of men. Women in the region also perform nearly four and a half hours of unpaid domestic work daily.

In Germany, the impact of caregiving on long-term financial security is a growing concern. Data suggests that extensive caregiving can lead to significantly lower pension entitlements, such as a pension of approximately 200 euros after twelve years of providing care at a level 3 severity. While the German government has rejected plans to reduce pension contributions for caregivers, the economic disparity remains a central issue.