Czech Women Earn 18% Less Than Men – One of the Largest Gaps in Europe

The gender pay gap in Czechia is growing, placing the country at the bottom of the EU rankings. 

In Czechia, the difference currently stands at 18%, meaning women work an additional 65 days to close the gap.

After years of gradual improvement, the pay disparity has started increasing again, according to the Business & Professional Women CR (BPWCR) organization.

The Equal Pay Day conference, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, at the Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, will bring together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions.

Gender Pay Gap Worsens Despite Past Progress

Between 2021 and 2022, Czechia’s gender pay gap reached a historic low of 15%, thanks to measures like raising the minimum wage and adjusting salary scales in undervalued sectors such as education and healthcare, where women make up the majority of the workforce.

However, these were one-time interventions rather than systemic changes, leading to a reversal of progress.

The largest pay disparities are found in management roles, specialist positions, medical professions, and university lecturing, where men continue to earn significantly more than their female counterparts.

Czechia at the Bottom of EU Rankings

With an average EU gender pay gap of 13%, Czechia ranks among the worst-performing countries. Nordic nations and Slovenia, where shared parental leave is legally mandated, lead in pay equity.

Despite women being more likely to complete higher education, this advantage does not translate into equal pay. In fact, female university graduates experience some of the highest wage disparities compared to their male peers.

Motherhood Penalty: Pay Gap Peaks at Age 35-44

The pay gap varies significantly by age. Women aged 35-44—many of whom are returning to work after maternity leave—face the highest wage disparity, averaging 22%. The lack of flexible work arrangements, limited childcare options, and the low uptake of shared parental leave all contribute to this problem.

Government Initiatives to Close the Gap

The Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has introduced several measures to ease the burden on working mothers. One initiative is the expansion of children’s groups, including smaller, neighborhood-based childcare services with professional caregivers. These aim to provide greater flexibility for parents.

Another policy allows a 5% discount on social insurance premiums for companies that hire employees on part-time contracts, encouraging businesses to offer more flexible work arrangements.

Additionally, the ministry’s Equal Pay project provides tools and guidance for companies to analyze pay gaps, implement fair salary structures, and adopt international best practices. A fair wage calculator is available to help employees compare earnings based on job position and personal characteristics.

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