#47 - Debunking myths about women at the labour market

Listen to this episode from SKILLS FACTORY on Spotify. In this episode, we break down common myths about gender equality in the labour market with ETF expert Outi Karkkainen.First, the idea that "women don’t matter to economic growth" is simply false—data shows that increasing women’s employment could boost GDP by up to 25%. Yet, many governments and businesses remain slow to act. Another misconception is that "vocational and technical jobs are for men." Many training programmes reinforce outdated gender roles, discouraging women from entering fields like plumbing, engineering, and IT. Should gender quotas be introduced to level the playing field? And how can we encourage girls to explore STEM from an early age?We also challenge the belief that "women prefer to stay home and raise kids." While caregiving is often seen as a natural role for women, societal expectations play a huge role in shaping these preferences. Finally, we examine the myth that "the digital economy is more gender-inclusive." Despite the promise of remote work and flexible careers, tech remains male-dominated, and online platforms still reflect traditional inequalities. What policies could truly change this—beyond just diversity initiatives?Tune in to hear expert insights on how we can build a more equal future.Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya, ETF