The Gender Gap Index shows that in 2025, Ukraine ranks 62nd with a score of 0.73. Despite progress, women still earn on average 22% less than men.

In the podcast, Olena Fonova, a judge of the Luhansk Regional Commercial Court and co-founder and deputy chair of the board of the NGO “MEC ‘PRO JUSTICE’,” explains what a “motherhood penalty” is and why “that’s just how the boss sees it” is not a valid argument. She also discusses how to correctly interpret the concept of equal value of work and which legal standards to rely on to protect your rights.

Why is the issue of equal pay not just an idea, but a legal obligation?

Listen to the full discussion in the “Thermometer” podcast.