Labour Market Position of Female Employees in Hungary

Abstract

This paper presents the main tendencies and today’s situation of women's participation in the Hungarian labour market. After the political transition in 1989-1990, employment levels have fallen and unemployment has risen, the general participation rate of women in the Hungarian labour market is below the EU average, women’s social position has worsened. In recent years gender inequalities have been reduced, although they remain in many cases. Women still do not participate to the same degree as men in the labour market. The traditional role of women is related to the family, thus they are often treated as secondary actors in the labour market. The role of women in society and in the economy have been changing in the past centuries. Within the framework of Hungarian employment policy, women's employment as a separate policy issue emerged five years ago. Increasing the economic activity of women is an important strategic goal for the EU and for Hungary as well. Over the last decades, major initiatives have emerged. Despite the projects to strengthen the economic role of women, the situation is not considered to be acceptable and there is room for improvement.