Figures just released show a mixed picture of sexual equality in Switzerland compared with neighbouring countries.

The Federal Statistics Office report says that in international comparison a relatively large number of women in Switzerland work – 59 per cent of women had a job in 2005. In Europe only Denmark, Norway and Iceland have a higher percentage of women in work.

Since 1990 the number of women in employment has increased by ten per cent. But the study says nearly three out of five work part time, demonstrating the difficulty of combining work and childcare in Switzerland.

In 2003-2004, 44 per cent of university graduates were women. Of those receiving doctorates 37 per cent were women. These levels were relatively low in international comparison, the Statistics Office said.

In terms of female representation in parliament, Switzerland was slightly above average, at 29.5 per cent. Neighbouring Austria and Germany did better, with 32 per cent. Italy and France trailed behind, on 17 and 19 per cent respectively.

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