site.btaOver Half of Bulgarian Women in Career Study Report Job Satisfaction
A survey on the professional development of women in Bulgaria, commissioned by the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) and conducted by IPSOS Bulgaria, was presented at the French Embassy on Wednesday.
IPSOS Bulgaria Managing Director Iva Dimova explained that the main goal of the survey was to identify the needs of working women, the obstacles to their greater involvement in economic life, and the hurdles they face in career development. At the same time, it gathered ideas on best practices contributing to gender equality and better support for work-life integration.
The survey began at the end of last year with online interviews of women working in CCIFB member companies. Interviews were conducted across five profiles, each represented by a participant from Sofia and one from another city. The profiles included: women at the beginning of their careers without children, women with children under the age of seven, women with children between the ages of 7 and 18, women with children over 18, and pre-retirement women. The interviews were followed by a quantitative survey, which resulted in 644 completed questionnaires.
Hristina Nikolova from IPSOS Bulgaria noted that more than half of the women surveyed feel satisfied with their career paths. Age and job position are key factors - women over 46 and those in senior roles report the highest levels of satisfaction. These levels are also higher among employees in Bulgarian companies.
Nine in ten participants view their work environment as dynamic. Four in five said that their job allows for a good work-life integration, especially in terms of raising children. In 75% of companies, there is a system in place to recognize a job well done.
Nina Denisova of IPSOS Bulgaria said that the current situation shows a significant shift in women's attitudes towards professional careers and development: 89% of respondents agreed that women today are more ambitious and proactive.
Key motivating factors in the workplace include strong salary packages, the option for remote work, the work atmosphere, and a sense of a positive work environment, with variations depending on age group.
Women also believe that education is an important factor - 67% said education plays a role in their professional development. A similar percentage reported working either fully or partly in their field of study. However, fewer than one in four believe that Bulgaria provides quality education that meets market needs. Almost all respondents emphasized that additional qualifications and training are crucial for their career growth.
Four in five women believe that career advancement depends on personal drive and initiative.
Nine in ten said they felt comfortable working with men, regardless of hierarchy. However, more than half have experienced situations where they felt undervalued or underestimated. Only 44% believe that men and women have equal career opportunities in Bulgaria. According to Nina Denisova, more effort is needed to achieve equality - a change is required not only in attitudes, but also in actions.
Stephanie Petitbon, First Counsellor at the French Embassy, noted that France has a woman minister responsible for gender equality. Despite great progress in France, women still earn 15% less than men, she said.
/RY/
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