Poland : gender issues in the transition to a market economy

Women make up more than 45% of the Polish workforce, yet under economic reform, women are likely to be disproportionately unemployed. Polish women are highly educated, but many of the skills acquired under socialism will no longer be relevant in a market economy. On the other hand, women are likely to be viewed as a valuable resource because of their lack of association with the former managerial cadre. This study examines gender issues in four critical areas. Chapter II illustrates the different roles women and men play in the labor force in terms of the sectors in which they are employed, their roles in management, and their incomes. Chapter III looks at emerging trends in unemployment and re-employment. Chapter IV describes opportunities for and constraints to women entrepreneurs. Chapter V examines institutional change from a gender perspective, covering changes in law, policy, administration, and decisionmaking processes. Chapter VI provides recommendations for integrating gender issues into U.S. assistance to Poland. Appendices include a list of contacts and profiles of women in business.