Women’s Role in the Economy, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship: A Regional Analysis of European Union Economies

Gender inclusion received significant attention in research given its potential influence on leadership diversity, decision-making efficiency, labour market equilibrium, and economic development. Across the European Union, gender equality policies have been introduced within institutional frameworks. However, differences remain across countries in women’s participation in leadership, and economic decision-making. While existing literature widely recognizes that greater diversity enhances productivity, economic resilience, and governance quality, macroeconomic empirical evidence across European regions remains fragmented.

This paper analyses the relationship between gender inclusion indicators and macroeconomic performance across twenty-seven European Union member states during the period 2020–2024. The hypotheses explore whether gender pay gaps, women’s representation in political and corporate leadership, and gender parity in labour market participation and entrepreneurship are associated with economic outcomes. The paper employs a panel research using harmonized statistical data from European gender equality and economic databases, together with correlation and regression analysis and regional comparisons.

The findings indicate differentiated associations between wage inequality and macroeconomic performance, respectively female representation in corporate and political leadership and economic outcomes. Additionally, it offers insights about gender parity in labour participation and women’s entrepreneurial activity with regards to macroeconomic performance, all relationships depending strongly on economic and institutional advancements and maturity.