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

The Comparative study on the position of women in the labour markets of peripheral industrial regions provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities for women’s employment in seven pilot regions across the Danube region. The study reveals that structural barriers, entrenched gender roles, and limited career advancement opportunities significantly impact women’s ability to participate in and thrive within the labor market. These challenges are particularly evident in male-dominated industries such as manufacturing, mining, and engineering, where women remain underrepresented and face systemic obstacles to career growth.

Key Findings

• Gender Disparities in Employment

Women in peripheral industrial regions face lower employment rates, occupational segregation, and persistent gender pay gaps. Many women remain concentrated in low-paid and precarious jobs, with few opportunities for upward mobility.

• Barriers to Workforce Participation

Women’s ability to engage in the workforce is hindered by limited childcare availability, rigid workplace policies, and cultural expectations that discourage them from entering STEM fields, leadership roles, and technical professions. Unpaid care work continues to disproportionately fall on women, further restricting their access to full-time and higher-paying positions.

• Institutional Challenges

The study highlights gaps in local and national employment policies, where existing initiatives often fail to address the specific needs of women in these regions. While some support programs exist, they are often underfunded, poorly implemented, or not widely known among the target groups.

• Opportunities for Change

Despite these barriers, the study identifies several opportunities for positive change. These include social innovation initiatives, skills development programs, employer-led diversity strategies, and enhanced policy measures aimed at fostering more inclusive labor markets. Expanding flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and tailored training initiatives could significantly improve employment prospects for women in peripheral industrial regions.

Towards a More Inclusive Future

This comparative study serves as a critical foundation for the next phase of the WIN project, informing the development of targeted policy recommendations, pilot employment solutions, and awareness-raising efforts. By addressing systemic barriers and implementing innovative strategies, the project aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and drive economic growth in peripheral industrial regions across the Danube region.