Slovakia commits to new targets, such as reducing the gender pay gap and increasing support services for women survivors (updated)

The Government of Slovakia commits to Step it up for gender equality through its National Strategy for Gender Equality, and the related Action Plan for Gender Equality. The Government commits to new targets, such as: to reduce the gender pay gap and promote conditions for women’s employment; to strengthen the principle of non-discrimination, focusing especially on women from marginalized social groups such as Roma women and women with disabilities; to increase women’s representation in decision-making positions; and to continue efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women, in accordance with the Istanbul Convention.

Two national projects on violence against women have already been launched, with EUR 12 million allocated to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Seven new shelters for survivors, providing 170 family spaces, and 15 new counselling centres will be launched next year. [ Commitment statement ]

Developments since the Slovak Republic’s commitment

Since the Slovak Republic’s commitments under the National Strategy for Gender Equality (2014–2019), progress has been made in the reduction of the gender pay gap. It has continued to decrease, from 26.7 per cent in 2005 to 17.8 per cent in 2015. Several measures have been launched to support the reconciliation of family and working life, such as the creation of new child care facilities and flexible working arrangements.

Under the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Women (2014–2019), the Coordination-methodical Centre for Gender-based Violence and Domestic Violence was launched in April 2015 to coordinate activities aimed at prevention and elimination of gender-based and domestic violence. The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of SR established a free 24/7 helpline in order to provide an efficient support to women experiencing violence and seeking support. Several amendments to the Penal Code, Law on Police force have been made, which extends the duration of an expulsion order from 48 hours to 10 days. The capacity of support services for survivors have also been strengthened. There are about 23 counselling centres and 180 family places in shelters around Slovakia, which provide specialized support to survivors of domestic violence, mostly women. [ Full update ]