The Unassuming Economist

An IMF report notes: “Poland is facing a rapidly aging population, which is expected to weigh on public finances and economic growth. Yet, there is an important underutilized source of qualified labor—Poland’s women. Women in Poland are on average just as educated as men and have a longer potential working lifespan. Nonetheless, female labor force participation is low relative to that for men and low relative to that in many other European countries. Unlocking this valuable source of growth would require leveling the playing field between men and women in the workplace, including by providing high quality affordable childcare for young children, removing tax disincentives for the second earner in a family, and allowing the retirement age to increase as envisaged by the 2013 reforms. For Poland to unleash its full economic potential, it needs to embrace the vital contribution that women can make to its economy.”