Description
The lives and career paths of Czech men and women differ, women suffering negative effects in particular in connection with child birth. Lifelong expenses and the impact of motherhood have not been quantified in the Czech Republic, nor their causes sufficiently analysed. This makes their efficient minimization difficult, both on the lives of individuals and on the level of making policy towards equal opportunities and gender mainstreaming. The project aims at combining the expertise of economics and sociology professionals, a Norwegian expert, employers, representatives of the state and NGOs. Analyses of the lifelong economic effects of motherhood will be produced and a complex set of measures to efficiently minimize the negative impact of motherhood on women will be proposed. The project will contribute to breaking up gender stereotypes, leading to better informed long-term and short-term decision-making in families and improving the work-life balance.
Summary of project results
In the Czech Republic motherhood has significant negative impacts on women's position in the labour market and society. We have decided to contribute to their reduction and initiate change. We have carried out economic and sociological analyses of the lifelong impacts of motherhood. Their results were then connected with the know-how of men and women experts from the Czech Republic and Norway. Subsequently, the information was spread among the general public (interactive workshops), employers (round tables), professionals, and people in decision-making positions (round tables and conferences). Our gender experts have advocated changes in policies in advisory committees (Expert Committee for Family Policy); in relevant bodies and institutions; and also through lobbying activities (we are a member of the Government Council for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men and the Committee for Balancing Work, Private and Family Life). A significant positive factor was the current interest of politicians in key ministries. We have contributed to the deepening of knowledge in the area of the economic and sociological effects of motherhood, which will be followed up by workers of academic institutions and possibly used by persons in decision-making positions (evidence based policy).
Summary of bilateral results
Norwegian School of Economics was the project partner represented by a leading economist with gender focus, associated professor at NHH, research fellow IZA Astrid Kunze. For this project, Ms. Kunze consulted both emerging economic research and already existing research. She participated in two Gender Studies, o.p.s. conferences for employers and people in decision-making positions. She presented the Norwegian experience in the area of equal pay for women and men, current trends and prospects based on Norwegian political development. What we find the most beneficial, is the presentation of Norwegian situation as a good example and a good practice for the Czech audience that can be transferred into our future work.