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| Latvia | |
 Flag of Latvia | |
| Population (in Mil.) | 2.2 |
 Sex Ratio (m/f)
| 0,86 |
 Life Expectancy Ratio (f/m)
| 1.16 |
 Fertility Rate
| 1.4 |
 Income Ratio (f/m)
| 0.67 |
 Literacy Ratio (f/m)
| 1,00 |
 Tertiary Enrolment Ratio (f/m)
| 1,72 |
 Women in Parliament (in %)
| 21 |
| SIGI Rank | - |
| More information on variables | |
Contents |
Overview
Research by the Central Bureau of Statistics in Latvia on working conditions and time use indicate that people in Latvia work long hours, are involved in several jobs and spend little time with their families. The most important policy concern is about low birth rates and small families that is seen as a consequence of poor work life balance. This has particular significance for women, who are still seen as the primary carers of children. While childcare arrangements are generous and expanding, Latvia still needs to address the unequal working conditions of men and women. Although all legislation includes gender equality principles, Latvia has no specific legislation prohibiting discrimination between men and women.
Legislation
Latvia has no specific anti-discrimination law or gender equality law. The new Labour Code, which entered into force in 2002,includes a general provision prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination on several grounds including sex. Furthermore, the relevant EC Directives on equal opportunities are transposed into the new Labour Code and the Law on Labour Protection, also from 2002.
As of January 1999 the Department on Social Policy Development at the Ministry of Welfare is the responsible agency that co-ordinates issue ofgender equality in the country. In 2000 the Division on Public Integration and Gender Equality was established.
Family Code
The traditional cultural base of the ancient ethnic inhabitants in Latvia is the patriarchal peasant family where the woman mostly holds the place of the mother. In this context the woman enjoys particular respect and receives privileges, however in the social structure of society the woman holds the position that is characteristic for the model of the patriarchal family.
Employment
In 2003, the total activity rate was 43.5% for women and 53.9% for men while the unemployment rate was 10.5% for women and 10.7% for men. In 2002 women constituted 58.3% of part-time employees. In 2003, women comprised 36.2% of total employees in the agricultural sector, 40.3% in the industrial sector and 53.7% in the service sector. Female monthly salaries in 2002 were 81.5% of male salaries. This pay gap is due to the uneven distribution of employees of both sexes among the professional groups, industries, and the public and private sector. Men are more likely to be employed in sectors with relatively higher salaries, such as construction, wood processing and transport, while women work more often in sectors with lower salaries, such as education, healthcare, hotels, and catering in the public sector.
The remuneration for maternity leave is 100% of average earnings, which is payable for 112 calendar days (56 days before and 56 days after the expected date of childbirth). Each employee has the right to parental leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child.
Education
In 2002, 69.4 % of all university graduates were women.
Political Empowerment
Women have had the right to vote since 1918. There exists no legislation or recommendations on quota systems for candidates, and since the 2007 elections, 21% of parliarment are women. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President between 1999-2007 was the first woman to hold this post.
Sources
- ILO, "Facts and Figures on Gender Equality in Latvia", [www.fes-baltic.lv/cms/upload/dokumente/Facts_and_figures_on_gender_equality_in_Latvia.pdf]
- CEDAW, Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Combined initial, second and third periodic report of States parties. Latvia (2003).
- http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/2007/07/LV0707019I.htm
- http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/surveyreports/LV0701019D/LV0701019D_1.htm
The Women, Business and the Law
Where are laws equal for men and women? 
The Women, Business and the Law report presents indicators based on laws and regulations affecting women's prospects as entrepreneurs and employees. Several of these indicators draw on the Gender Law Library, a collection of over 2,000 legal provisions impacting women's economic status. This report does not seek to judge or rank countries, but to provide information to inform discussions about women’s economic rights. Covering 128 economies, Women, Business and the Law provides data covering 6 areas: accessing institutions,using property, getting a job, dealing with taxes, building credit, and going to court.Read more about the methodology.
For detailed information on Latvia, please visit the Women, Business and
the Law Latvia page.
