Comparative study on the position of women in the labour markets of the pilot regions

The WIN project confronts a critical issue in the Danube Region: the systemic and persistent underrepresentation and inequitable treatment of women in the labour markets of peripheral industrial areas. Deliverable D.1.1.2 directly addresses this challenge through a comparative study of seven pilot regions in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovenia. The study explores the gendered dimensions of regional economies and the barriers women face in accessing quality employment.

Drawing on the Gender Equal Cities framework, effective gender equality policies must be informed by nuanced, context-sensitive analysis. Gender-disaggregated data—on wages, employment, education, entrepreneurship, and more—provides the foundation for this effort. Peripheral industrial regions—usually marked by historical reliance on heavy industry and male-dominated employment structures—often lack inclusive frameworks to support women’s economic participation. These areas are further burdened by demographic decline, limited infrastructure, and persistent socio-economic challenges. These factors disproportionately impact women, who are frequently overrepresented in lower-paid, precarious sectors, and underrepresented in managerial roles and technical fields. Despite these constraints, the study also highlights examples of resilience and opportunity—such as emerging high-tech sectors, cross-border linkages, and social innovation initiatives—which could be leveraged to close gender gaps. By identifying both structural inequalities and place-based strengths, the study provides a detailed framework for understanding how gender and geography intersect in shaping labour market outcomes.

To provide a comprehensive and multi-faceted understanding, the study employs a three-part methodology:

1. Contextual Analysis examines the geographical, historical, and economic characteristics of each pilot region, including development trajectories, employment dynamics, and the evolving role of women in the workforce.

2. Statistical Analysis explores gender (in)equality using official labour market indicators across domains such as population structure, employment, education, wages, entrepreneurship, and managerial representation. The analysis reveals enduring gender gaps and highlights regional differences in trends and territorial embeddedness.

3. SWOT Analysis synthesizes quantitative and qualitative insights, identifying regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting women's employment. It is grounded in contextual realities and supported by findings from other WIN activities, including study visits, policy analyses, and peer reviews.

The comparative nature of this study allows for the identification of both common patterns—such as low female representation in high-paid sectors—and region-specific dynamics, including cultural norms, educational barriers, and labour market rigidity. A key contribution of D.1.1.2 is its ability to link empirical findings with actionable policy and social innovation pathways, setting the stage for transformative interventions in subsequent project phases.

Ultimately, this study serves as both a diagnostic and strategic tool, laying the groundwork for targeted, place-based solutions to improve women's economic inclusion and empowerment in the Danube Region’s peripheral industrial towns and regions.

For more information, access the ful input paper HERE.