Published on 24 August 2023

Gender equality in Switzerland

Gender equality before the law and in practice is established in the Swiss Federal Constitution. While equality in law has largely been achieved, there are still many challenges to overcome in everyday life. To achieve true equality in practice, commitment all political levels and at the level of society is needed.

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Men and women have equal rights. The law shall ensure their equality, both in law and in practice, most particularly in the family, in education, and in the workplace. Men and women have the right to equal pay for work of equal value.

Art. 8 para. 3 Federal Constitution

Gender equality is enshrined in the Federal Constitution. In Switzerland today, equality in law has largely been achieved. For further information on legal equality and the process of achieving it, see Federal Constitution and Gender Equality Act.

True equality in practice has as yet to be achieved:

• On average, men earn 18 per cent more than women.
• Women have a retirement provision 34 per cent lower than men.
• When women become mothers, they often cut down on their work or give it up entirely.
• As a result of taking on more unpaid care work, women have a lower pension later on in life and a higher risk of poverty in old age.
• Women are over-represented in low-wage sectors and under-represented in management positions.
• In 70 per cent of cases of domestic violence, the person affected is female.
• More than 90 per cent of those affected by sexual harassment are women.

For more information, see Facts and figures on gender equality in Switzerland

What is the Confederation doing to promote gender equality?

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We publish a newsletter four times a year (in April, July, October and December) on matters relevant to gender equality policy dealt with by the federal authorities (Parliament, Federal Council, Federal Administration and Federal Supreme Court). The compilation is not intended to be exhaustive.

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