Only a third of newly employed in 2020 were women

(Patria) - Only one third of the total number of newly employed in 2020 were women, is one of the main findings of the report "Women in the Labor Market in BiH" presented today by the Employment Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. The report was prepared within the framework of a European Union project that provides support to employment agencies for the improvement of active employment measures and the development of employment strategies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for which the European Union has allocated over 1.2 million euros in grants.

"Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina are still underrepresented and discriminated against in many spheres, from politics to business and the labor market. This now seems even more important because research shows that women, along with existing gender inequalities, are even more vulnerable due to the consequences of COVID-19. The EU continues to provide support to labor market institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to build their capacities and make progress in their work in line with European Union standards," stated Gianluca Vannini, Head of the Social Development, Civil Society and Cross-border Cooperation Operations Section, Delegation of the European Union to BiH.

The aim of the report is to assess the situation regarding the challenges faced by employers in 2020. A total of over 2,400 employers were surveyed at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the sample is dominated by small businesses with almost 80 percent, which best reflects the real situation in the economy. Medium-sized enterprises account for 15%, while large ones account for just over 5 percent.

"Analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market, we can say that the female workforce has been significantly affected by the reduction in economic activity. The results of this study indicate the need to promote an innovative approach and attitude towards the female workforce through appropriate policies and the educational system," said Muamer Bandić, Director of the Employment Agency of BiH.

The report showed that the most affected occupations during the pandemic among women were saleswoman, seamstress, and shoemaker, which account for more than half of the terminated contracts.

"This report will help policymakers, especially employment agencies, to address the challenges faced by women through their active employment measures. For the first time, research has been conducted using a unified methodology to produce a detailed report on work," emphasized Ranko Markuš, project manager.

The project "Improving Labor Market Research" provides support to employment agencies in improving active employment measures, improving cooperation with employers, developing employment strategies, and will particularly assist during the strategic planning process and the development of an employment framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is implemented in cooperation with NIRAS, GOPA, and the French Republic Employment Service in the period from September 1, 2020, to September 1, 2022.