Publication: Gender Landscape: Poland
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2025-05-31
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2025-09-16
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Poland has made significant progress in promoting gender equality, especially in education, where women now outperform men in many aspects of human capital development. However, these gains have not fully translated into labor market and societal outcomes. Despite being highly educated, Polish women participate less in the workforce, with disparities influenced by age, education level, and family circumstances. Enhancing access to flexible work options and expanding quality childcare could help women better balance professional and family responsibilities, as cultural norms continue to place a heavier caregiving burden on them. Encouraging men’s active involvement in family life and promoting shared responsibilities would foster broader social progress. Addressing persistent gaps in wages, pensions, and leadership roles is essential to ensure women’s educational achievements lead to equal economic outcomes. Simultaneously, focusing on men’s well-being—particularly those in vocational paths and facing health challenges—can support more inclusive and balanced outcomes. This note draws on data and research to highlight both the challenges and opportunities ahead, identifying key priorities for advancing gender equality in Poland.
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“Cukrowska-Torzewska, Ewa; Badiani-Magnusson, Reena. 2025. Gender Landscape: Poland. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/43735 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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