The presence of women in senior management positions in Balearic Islands remains limited. In 2023, only 28.9% of management and executive positions were held by women, a decrease compared to the previous year (31.2%). This contrasts with the high female presence in technical, scientific, and intellectual positions, where women account for 59% of employment.

gender inequality Balearic Islands

The gender inequality index developed by IMPULSA BALEARS, based on the United Nations methodology, ranks the archipelago in the eighth most favourable position within the Spanish regional ranking. This indicator, which ranges from 0 (no inequality) to 1 (maximum inequality), has recorded a score of 0.033, remaining stable over the last two years and below the national average (0.037). Cantabria (0.011), Galicia (0.021), the Basque Country (0.021), and Catalonia (0.024) lead the ranking.

According to the technical director of IMPULSA BALEARS, Antoni Riera, gender equality is a key factor in the competitiveness and social sustainability of a region. “Advancing in equality is crucial from a competitive standpoint, as new levels of prosperity can only be achieved by ensuring that all individuals can contribute to and benefit from economic progress,” he emphasised.

Education and the Labour Market

One of the main imbalances in the link between education and employment is reflected in the overqualification rate: 20.9% of employed women are overqualified for their jobs, compared to 14.1% of men. This phenomenon is partly due to women’s greater tendency to pursue education and the persistent resistance to their access to top positions.

The report also highlights that 40.1% of employed women in the Balearic Islands have higher education qualifications, surpassing men (30.8%). However, in the segment of workers with an education level equal to or below compulsory schooling, the percentage is higher among men (39.4%) than women (29.4%).

Additionally, the school dropout rate among women in 2023 was 15.4%, lower than that of men (20.5%). As a result, 37.4% of women in the Balearic Islands have completed higher education, although still below the European female average (38%).

Gender Gap

Despite these educational advances, the female labour market participation rate remains lower than that of men: 59.7% compared to 68.3%. There is also still a gap in part-time employment, where women have a rate of 16.1%, significantly higher than that of men (5%).

To learn more about these indicators, IMPULSA BALEARS provides access to two tools: i|talento and i|global, which require prior registration on their website. Access is free, and only an email address is needed.