Source: National Social Security Office - decentralised statistics (number of jobs on 30th June)
In a modern society, it is important to give equal chances to a broad population whatever their gender, age, disability or cultural background. Actively promoting diversity and equality at work, also gives organisations access to a larger and more diverse set of potential workers. Diversity in the labour market is therefore a relevant indicator for the social dimensions of sustainability.
The chemical and life sciences industry employed about 27,423 women in 2020, representing a share of 28.7% of the total workforce. This percentage is consistently higher than in general manufacturing (23.2%) and rose steadily since 2000 from 23.1% up to 28.7% in 2020.
59% of women working in the chemical and life sciences sector had a higher degree compared with 38% for general manufacturing. Increasingly, women are occupying leadership roles and management positions in a range of functions including human resources, finance, plant management and research.
Nearly 60% of the female researchers employed in the manufacturing industry do research in the field of chemistry and life sciences. In 2017, women accounted for 45% of researchers working in the chemical and life sciences industry.
The sector realizes the potential of a diverse workforce. Together with Co-valent and other stakeholders numerous initiatives are set up, not only regarding gender equality but also with focus on people with disabilities or a migration background.
