Gender equality and workplace diversity have received more attention across Europe, including Estonia. Even though the Estonian government and the European Union have set policies, persistent inequalities remain in the market. In 2023, men in Estonia earned 13.1% more than women on average, which was one of the widest gender pay gaps in the EU (Statistics Estonia, 2024). Additionally, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles and IT sectors, for example. Societal attitudes oftentimes support conventional gender roles, leading people to believe that women are primarily responsible for taking care of the household and children (OECD, 2024). This is also one of the factors contributing to Estonia’s high wage gap. To better understand how Estonia’s businesses deal with these challenges, I conducted a graduation research project in collaboration with the International Women’s Network in Estonia (IWNE). The study focused on the willingness of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate with IWNE to promote gender equality and diversity. The goal of the research was not only to understand motivations and barriers but also to offer practical recommendations for IWNE’s future strategy. Why focus on SMEs? SMEs (companies with fewer than 250 employees) represent around 99% of all businesses in Estonia

Custody is the duty and the right of a parent to take care of their minor child and their child’s property, as well as to represent them. Custody can be physical/legal and sole/joint. Physical custody determines the child’s primary place of residence, while legal custody determines who has the authority to make major decisions on behalf of the child. Joint custody allows both parents to share rights and responsibilities. Sole custody grants one parent the rights of the child. Having sole custody gives one parent legal and/or physical custody of the child. In cases of sole physical custody, the other parent may have visitation rights.

The members of IWNE have shared stories of the women who inspire them—women whose courage, kindness, and determination have shaped their lives. From teachers and activists to sisters and pioneers, these women remind us that inspiration is found not only in history books but in everyday acts of strength and resilience.