Switzerland has one of the highest rates of part-time work among mothers worldwide. In 2021, 82% of mothers with children under 25 working part-time, while only 10% of fathers did. Factors contributing to this include expensive childcare, limited flexible work options, and cultural preferences for traditional gender roles.
The prevalence of part-time work for mothers carries several negative consequences. Firstly, it results in lower pay for women. On average, part-time workers in Switzerland earn 60% less than full-time workers, with even wider wage gaps for mothers who earn just 40% of what fathers earn.
Secondly, part-time work poses obstacles for career advancement among mothers. Part-time employees are less likely to be promoted and more susceptible to layoffs, leading to long-term financial insecurity for women.
Thirdly, the reliance on mothers working part-time perpetuates traditional gender roles. When mothers shoulder most of the childcare responsibilities, their full participation in the workforce becomes challenging, resulting in decreased productivity for the overall economy.
To address this issue, various measures can be taken in Switzerland. These include increasing the availability of affordable childcare, facilitating flexible work arrangements for employers, and fostering a change in cultural attitudes toward gender roles.
It is crucial to tackle this issue due to its adverse effects on women, families, and the economy as a whole. By enabling mothers to work full-time more easily, Switzerland can foster a more equitable society and a more prosperous economy.
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