Gender Equality in Serbia 2014: Economic Analysis

Abstract

This text offers an analysis of the present-day status of gender equality in Serbia in the domain of economic activity. In the first part of the text, the authors make a survey of the relevant normative and institutional framework for the development of gender equality in Serbia. In the second part, different statistical indicators related to gender differences in economic activity, employment and education are analysed. In the third part, the most relevant research results from a survey, Gender Barometer, are given, showing a number of differences in economic activity between women and men on a micro level, which accumulate and create a still high level of women's economic dependency. Finally, in conclusion, the authors are connecting an overall picture of women’s economic status in Serbia with the wider economic problems of the country. An emphasis is put on inadequate usage of women’s human resources (although, for example, women represent the majority of graduate students), and women’s very high level of engagement in the economy of care, which brings continued gender misbalance in both public and private spheres.