Women in the Labour Force in Switzerland
Population
- At the end of 2009, the total Swiss population was estimated to be 7,785,800.1
- 50.8% (3,955,200) of the total Swiss population were women. 2
Educational Achievement
Highest Level of Completed Education by Sex for 25-64 Year Old Resident Population, 20103
Labour Force
- In 2009, 65.6% of the total Swiss population aged 15 years and older was employed.4
- 72.6% of men were employed, compared to 59.0% of women.5
Women’s Share in Select Professions6
- In 2009, 34.9% employees with supervisory functions were women; men employees made up the remaining 65.1%. 7
- Switzerland ranked 10th out of 134 countries on the 2010 Global Gender Gap Index, up from 13th out of 134 in 2009.*8
Management
- In 2009, 68.3% of men had executive and/or senior management level positions compared to 31.3% of women.9
- As of June 30, 2011, Switzerland ranked 26 of 187 countries of women in Parliaments.†10
Maternity Leave
- Until July 1, 2005, Switzerland had no obligatory maternity benefit; women now receive 80% of their salary during their 14-week maternity leave.11Women who have given birth are entitled to 8 weeks mandatory maternity leave, and up to 16 weeks upon agreement.12Women submitted to the Swiss local legislation (AVS – Swiss Social Security) have a right to at least 14 weeks leave and receive maternity allowances for a period of 14 weeks, or 16 weeks if in the Canton of Geneva. 13Employers must pay wages for a limited period** and are prohibited from ending a work contract during pregnancy and during the 16 weeks following the birth.14
* The Global Gender Gap Index is measured by the World Economic Forum. It ranked 134 countries in 2010 on the size of their gender gap between women and men in four areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival. The higher up a country is on the Gender Gap Index, the smaller its gender gap.
† Data compiled by the Inter-Parliamentary Union on the basis of information provided by National Parliaments.187 countries are classified by descending order of the percentage of women in the lower or single House.
**Limited period wages are applicable if employment has lasted more than three months or if there is a contract for more than three month’s duration - Limited Period Wage Scale.
Sources
1 Swiss Statistics, "Population Size and Population Composition: Data, Indicators" (2011).
2 Swiss Statistics, "Population Size and Population Composition: Data, Indicators" (2011).
3 Swiss Statistics, "Education and Science: Key Figures: Level of Education" (2011).
4 Swiss Confederation, Swiss Statistics, SLFS 2009 in Brief: Key Findings of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (2010).
5 Swiss Confederation, Swiss Statistics, SLFS 2009 in Brief: Key Findings of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (2010).
6 Swiss Confederation, Swiss Statistics, SLFS 2009 in Brief: Key Findings of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (2010).
7 Swiss Confederation, Swiss Statistics, SLFS 2009 in Brief: Key Findings of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (2010).
8 World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report 2010 (2010). World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report 2009 (2009).
9 Swiss Statistics, SLFS 2009 in Brief: Key Findings of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (2010).
10 Women in National Parliaments, "Women in National Parliaments: World Classification," (June 30, 2011).
11 Swiss World, "Home and Work."
12 Department of Foreign Affairs, "Maternity Leave" (February 9, 2011).
13 Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, "Maternity Leave" (February 9, 2011).
14 Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, "Maternity Leave" (February 9, 2011). Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, "Payment of wages for a limited period" (February 9, 2011).
UPDATED on August 15, 2011
