Inspite of significant progress achieved in recent years, there are still fewer women employed in the Czech Republic than in many other countries, especially in Europe. This represents untapped potential for growth, equality and development in the Czech Republic, an economy struggling with a notorious labor shortage. The country also continues to experience a significant gender pay gap and other gender-related issues. On average, Czech men earn one-fifth more than their female counterparts. Experts advise greater wage transparency in Czech companies to give women more power in salary negotiations. Improving capacity in the overburdened preschool system could allow women to shorten their maternity leave.