Women in Macedonia have a less favorable position in the labor market, which is mainly seen in lower employment rates and lower activity in the labor market. The gender gap in the employment rate and labor activity is quite large and is far above the average, compared to the other EU countries.
In Q4-2020 44.6% of women aged 15-64 years (the so-called working-age population) were employed, compared to 63.9% of men of that age.
Source: Our calculations, data taken from the State Statistical Office
Working women are also much less likely than men to be active in the labor market. In Q4-2020, 52.8% of women aged 15-64 participated in the labor market (as employed or unemployed), compared to 76.8% of men. The most important reason behind women’s inactivity is family-care; i.e. Care for the household and care for the family members. Unfortunately, our analysis shows that women’s activity in 2020 was decreasing.
Source: Our calculations, data taken from the State Statistical Office
Women are slightly advantaged over men in terms of the unemployment rate, although the difference is quite small.
Source: Our calculations, data taken from the State Statistical Office