The Government is focused on making the trend towards reducing the gender pay gap sustainable and irreversible. This was stated by Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy of Ukraine, during the presentation of the National Strategy for Eliminating the Gender Pay Gap in Ukraine until 2030, which took place with the participation of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and representatives of relevant ministries.

"Back in 2020, Ukraine joined the Biarritz Partnership. It envisages a number of different challenges to create equality in the country, and one of them is to reduce the gender pay gap. The Government of Ukraine made this commitment. At that time, the pay gap between men and women averaged 20.4 per cent. And over the next year, it was slightly reduced to 18.6 per cent. Unfortunately, the large-scale russian invasion has put all our endeavours, the development of the whole country, on hold. The same happened with gender equality," Olena Zelenska said.

"The gender pay gap is one of the key markers of both gender equality and economic development. It shows whether women and men, and different groups of the population in general, have equal access to different professions, including high-paying ones, and equal opportunities for professional fulfilment. Over the past seven years, the gender pay gap in Ukraine has narrowed by 7.4% and currently stands at 18.6%. This figure is higher than in many EU countries. And our goal is to change the situation. We are focused on making the trend of reducing the gender pay gap sustainable and irreversible. To do this, we need to overcome stereotypes of employers, women and society in general regarding professions. Modernise labour legislation to ensure equal pay. Help women increase their confidence that they can hold leadership positions, receive high salaries, and be economically independent," said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy.

The implementation plan of the National Strategy for Eliminating the Gender Pay Gap in Ukraine until 2030, in particular, provides for

Overcoming stereotypes and discrimination based on gender.

It is planned to conduct a large-scale information campaign for women "Of course you can" to convince them that they are capable of receiving greater remuneration for their work. As well as an educational campaign to raise women's awareness of their rights and opportunities, which they can use to improve their professional level, acquire a new, more demanded speciality in the labour market, including STEM and, accordingly, higher-paid jobs, and start or develop their own business in a short time. It is also proposed to introduce gender audits and exchange of best practices in implementing gender equality in the workplace.

Improving legislation on equal pay.

Labour legislation is to be modernised - the new version of the Labour Law introduces the principle of equal pay for work of equal value regardless of gender, which will increase the effectiveness of judicial protection. Inspections by the State Labour Service will be introduced based on complaints of gender-based pay discrimination. A national methodology for gender-neutral job evaluation and training for labour inspectors and employers will also be developed.

Creating conditions for a convenient combination of family and professional responsibilities.

In particular, it is proposed to facilitate the establishment and operation of public and private kindergartens, and to support organisations dealing with older children (such as Plast, the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, etc.) at the state level. Improve labour legislation to ensure equal treatment of employees with family responsibilities. It is planned to introduce training programmes for employers to help employees balance professional and family responsibilities.

Background

Ukraine made a commitment to reduce the gender pay gap when it joined the international Biarritz Partnership in 2020 at the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. The goal of this international initiative is to achieve equal rights and opportunities in society and the absence of restrictions on any grounds.