Analysis of institutional factors that cause gender pay gaps in Ukraine

Abstract

Despite Ukraine’s commitments regarding non-discrimination and ensuring gender equality, the issue of gender pay gaps remains relevant. The aim of the study is to identify factors that cause gender pay gaps and assess their impact on wage differences at the institutional level in Ukraine. Based on the generalization of the research results, macroeconomic and microeconomic approaches to the grouping of factors that cause gender pay gaps have been identified. Based on the analysis of statistical data, it has been determined that gender occupational segregation exists in Ukraine, as most women work in low-wage economic activities; women are more likely to lead businesses with a lower level of wages. As the result of the assessment of the impact of various factors on wage differences, it has been found that gender pay gaps are the smallest in the public sector. Part-time employment in 2018 affected gender pay gaps by 3.8%. Based on the correlation factor analysis, the positive impact of increasing the minimum wage and innovative development on reducing gender pay gaps has been substantiated. The hypothesis regarding the impact of collective bargaining on gender pay gaps at the organizational level has been refuted. Promising measures have been identified that would help to create equal opportunities and reduce gender pay gaps, and thus to fulfill Ukraine’s commitments in the context of European integration.