Empowering Progress: Poland’s Advancement in PwC’s 2024 Women in Work Index

Poland has demonstrated significant progress in PwC’s latest “Women in Work Index 2024,” rising from 8th to 6th place among 33 OECD countries. The index evaluates the working conditions and professional activity of women, taking into account factors such as the gender pay gap, employment and unemployment rates, and the prevalence of full-time and part-time work.

With a score of 75.6 points, Poland’s ascent can be attributed to a notable surge in the professional engagement of Polish women, particularly those of working age. Presently, two-thirds of working-age Polish women are active in the workforce, a substantial increase from just over half 15 years ago. The employment rate for women has also risen to 67.4% in 2022, though it still lags behind the OECD average by almost five percentage points.

A standout feature for Poland in this ranking is its commendable performance in the gender pay gap analysis. Despite a slight increase from 4.5% to 4.9% this year, Poland’s gender pay gap remains significantly smaller than the OECD average of 13.5%. This reinforces Poland’s commitment to gender equality in the labor market.

The Women in Work Index ranking highlights Poland’s superior position compared to most regional counterparts within the second ten. Slovenia stands out as an exception, maintaining its position among the top three countries with the greatest gender equality in the labor market. Luxembourg leads the overall ranking with an impressive score of 81.2 points, boasting a unique negative pay gap where the average salary of women exceeds that of men.

Experts commend Poland’s remarkable progress in the Women in Work Index, emphasizing its higher standing compared to other regional nations. This achievement underscores Poland’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment for women, setting a positive example for the broader OECD community.