The Importance Of Gender Equality In Hungary

Introduction

Hungary is a Central-European Country, with a population of about 9.9 million inhabitants according to the last census carried out in 2011 by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Out of the 9.9 million people, 5.2 million are females and 4.7 are males. (Hungarian Central Statistical Office, 2012) The proportion of women increased over the last decade, and further increase of the female population is expected in the next years. (Census Department of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, 2012)

The increased number of women and social changes in Hungary, results in them receiving higher levels of education and improved health status. Women account for a major part of human capital in Hungary. Helping women enter the workforce

Gender equality is defined as equal opportunities provided for both men and women in access to goods and services. It is giving access to all resources and rewards while having the same rights in all areas of life. It does not require men and women to act the same and the concept does not assume same characteristics and roles for men and women. Put it simply, gender equality is giving the same consideration to the needs and ambitions of both men and women.

Men and women could both be object to gender inequalities. Most frequently it is women, who are put in a disadvantageous situation. But men could also suffer from social pressure as they are expected to be less emotional and caring than women and they are typically expected to provide for their families.

To achieve total gender equality, gender equity comes into the picture. Gender equity means fair treatment of both genders. Equal rights gives the basis for it, but equity is the process of how we reach equality within the society. It implies to sharing responsibilities and respecting each

Intersecting inequalities was party measures. The employment rates of elderly, foreigners and of those having dependent children were given. In these three cases, the employment rates of men and women were compared on a national level and on the level of the European Union. In all cases, the employment rate of women was lower than of men’s. The highest rates were observable in case of both men and women living in a household with dependent children, while the lowest numbers were present among people aged 55–64 years. Only 30.1% of women were employed in the given age group and men scored slightly higher with 39.6%. (European Institute for Gender Equality, 2013b)

Knowing these results about gender equality in Hungary, it is worth to investigate the topic further and gain an insight to the situation on the labour market. During the literature review I intend to understand the situation of women in Hungary in general first. And next I am collecting information on business life to determine, whether gender based discrimination is an issue at workplaces in Hungary. During this section, I am analysing the above mentioned domain of work, money, power and knowledge from another angle that will provide a deeper understanding of gender