The role and place of women in the economy of the Russian Federation

Despite the steady numerical superiority of women in the demographic structure of the Russian Federation, their actual economic situation is characterized by persistent imbalances, which requires a systematic analysis of the causes of gender inequality.The article gives a comprehensive assessment of the role and place of women in the Russian economy through the prism of key indicators: the gender wage gap, occupational segregation, entrepreneurial activity and the economic consequences of motherhood. On a systematic basis, demographic, labor and entrepreneurial parameters of the status of women in the Russian economy were compared, regional features of informal employment of women were identified, and wage losses associated with motherhood were quantified.Based on the analysis of the causes of the gender wage gap, the author proposes directions for improving economic policy aimed at empowering women in Russia.The study is based on the analysis of Rosstat data, empirical studies of Russian and foreign authors, as well as the results of panel studies and corporate reporting. The formulated conclusions can be used in the development of public policy measures aimed at reducing the gender pay gap, formalizing women’s employment in the informal sector, developing corporate programs to support employees with children and stimulating women’s entrepreneurship.Â