These Countries Are The Very Worst For Women In Europe

In a comprehensive exploration of gender disparities across the European Union, office supplier Viking has cast a revealing spotlight on the status of women in the workplace. The study delves into crucial factors such as salaries, healthcare, pensions, and career opportunities, aiming to unravel the tapestry of gender equality in professional settings. Despite the prominence of top economies in Europe, the findings suggest a disheartening reality: a persistent gap in pay and opportunities, leaving women facing challenges that transcend borders within the EU. Join us as we navigate through the intricate landscape of workplace gender dynamics in Europe, exposing the nuances that demand attention and action. Love reading Culture Trip? How about travelling with us! Our Culture Trips are small-group tours that truly immerse you in a destination through authentic travel experiences. You can also embrace slow travel and the joys of journeying by train on our eco-friendly Rail Trips.

Gender pay gap compared across EU countries

In both the UK and Germany women are paid more than 20% less than their male counterparts, despite the UK leading the the ranks for female career progression – a finding that suggests that advancing to top management positions has not halted gender pay disparity.

The UK offers one of the longest maternity periods in Europe at 52 weeks, but around 75% of UK mothers say they’ve suffered some form of discrimination as a direct result of their pregnancy. In France, 1 in 4 mothers say that having a child has had a negative impact on their career.

Accounting for differences in currency valuations and the cost of living in each country, women in Luxembourg earn the most, followed by women in Ireland and Belgium. Bulgarian women are paid the least, while the UK ranks 12th among the 28 EU countries.

Based on self-reported responses of more than 2,000 working women across Europe, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Latvia have the least-stressful work environments for women. In the UK, more than half (54%) of female employees say they have to work at very high speed or to tight deadlines, bringing the country to almost the bottom of the list.

The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden are leading the way for flexible working, while in Romania, less than 1% of female employees are given the opportunity to work from home.

When it comes to healthcare, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg offer the strongest systems in Europe, based on factors including patient rights, treatment outcomes.

While 15 out of 27 EU countries offer the same paid holiday allowance of 20 days per year, France and Finland lead the way with 30 days paid leave per year.

When it comes time to retire, Greece and Slovakia have the youngest requirement age, at just 57. Across the EU, the average age is 60.8.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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