Austria
Gender Gap

In Austria, the gender gap refers to the disparities between men and women in various aspects of life, including but not limited to employment, education, and political representation. Despite progress in recent years, significant gender inequalities persist in Austrian society.

One prominent area where the gender gap is evident is in the labor market. Women in Austria continue to face challenges such as lower wages, limited access to leadership positions, and a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. The gender pay gap, although narrowing, remains significant, with women earning approximately 20% less than men on average. Additionally, women are underrepresented in high-paying industries and professions, further exacerbating economic inequalities.

In terms of education, while Austrian women generally perform well academically and have high rates of educational attainment, they are still underrepresented in certain fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Stereotypes and social expectations often steer women away from these fields, limiting their opportunities for career advancement and economic empowerment.

In the realm of politics, women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. Although Austria has made strides in increasing the number of women in parliament and government, they still occupy fewer than 40% of seats in the National Council and hold only a fraction of ministerial positions.

Addressing the gender gap in Austria requires concerted efforts from government, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, such as gender quotas, affirmative action measures, and awareness campaigns, are crucial steps toward achieving a more equitable society. Additionally, fostering a culture of inclusivity, challenging gender stereotypes, and promoting work-life balance are essential for creating environments where both men and women can thrive.

By acknowledging and actively working to address the gender gap, Austria can create a more just and equitable society where individuals of all genders have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to their fullest potential.


World Economic Forum

Global Gender Gap Report Austria

The Global Gender Gap Report benchmarks countries on their progress towards gender parity across four thematic dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

2023
Rank: 47 (out of 146 countries)
Score: 0.740
report

2021
Rank: 21 (out of 156 countries)
Score: 0.777

2020
Rank: 34 (out of 135 countries)
Score: 0.744

2017
Rank: 57 (out of 144 countries)
Score: 0.709

2016
Rank: 52 (out of 144 countries)
Score: 0.716


UN Women Austria

Women Count Data Hub: Austria

Globally, some progress on women’s rights has been achieved. In Austria, the adolescent birth rate is 5.5 per 1,000 women aged 15–19 as of 2018, down from 6.7 per 1,000 in 2017. As of February 2021, 39.9% of seats in parliament were held by women.

Country Fact Sheet
> data.unwomen.org/country/austria