A Statistical Study of the Average Wages in the Republic of Belarus from a Gender-Focused Perspective

Abstract

The article presents an overview of the labour market in the Republic of Belarus, taking into account the gender factor. Indeed, the labour market of any state has a certain level of gender segregation and to reliably assess this phenomenon, first of all, it is necessary to develop a better understanding of the emerging patterns and trends in the dynamics of the core statistical indicators, and of what processes reduce or fuel gender asymmetry. The author carried out a statistical study on the wage levels of employed in the economy of the Republic of Belarus, and a comparative analysis of its average values for men and women. Despite the fact that the right to work and equal remuneration for men and women are enshrined in law, the problem of gender segregation in the labour market remains relevant. The effective solution of issues of gender inequality is impossible without taking into account the existing gender issues in the country and the main trends reflected in statistical indicators. The author applies statistical methodology of socio-economic analysis to show manifestations of gender inequality in its various forms, for example, hiring discrimination against women, gender pay gap, gender asymmetry in the distribution of workers between economic sectors and activities. Methods of variance analysis serve as a basis to study the relationship between the type of economic activity which employs Belarusian men and women and the level of average wages. Objective statistics suggests that the differences between men and women are often due not so much to biological factors as to social conditions (demands and development of culture, norms of society, etc.). Disclosing wage problems with statistical means, the author argues that gender equality acts not only as a goal but also as an essential means of achieving sustainable development, which is impossible without modernizing existing political and socio-economic mechanisms.