site.btaNumber of Women in Leadership Positions in Bulgaria Increases by Over 16% in 2024

The number of women in leadership positions in Bulgaria is increasing, although they remain fewer than men. In 2024, their number reached 79,000, 11,000 more than in the previous year, which is an increase of more than 16%, indicates data from the Report on Gender Equality in Bulgaria for 2024, which was approved by the government, the Cabinet's press service said here on Wednesday.

The number of female employers is also growing. In 2024, their number reached 43,300, which is 7,700 or nearly 22% more than in 2023. The pay gap between the two sexes in 2023 was 13.1% in favour of men.

The report indicated that last year the employment rate for women aged 15-64 was 67.6%, and for men it was 74.1%, which is a difference of 6.5 percentage points. There is also a difference in the average monthly pension for insurance period and age. For men, it was BGN 1,054.36, and for women, BGN 870.40. However, women received a pension for an average of 26.5 years, which is nearly 7 years more than men.

In 2024, the average insured income was BGN 1,655.50. For men, it was BGN 1,696.76, which is 5.2% more than for women.

The report reflected the results of the implementation of policies in five priority areas: equality between women and men in the labour market and equal economic independence; reducing gender differences in pay and income; promoting equality in decision-making processes; combating violence and protecting and supporting victims; overcoming gender stereotypes in various spheres of public life and sexism.