Comparison of Women's Return to the Labour Market after Maternity and Parental Leave in the Czech Republic and Sweden

This bachelor thesis deals with the comparasion of mothers' return to the labour market in the Czech Republic and Sweden. The aim of the thesis is to compare the factors influencing women's return to employment after maternity and parental leave and to analyse their form within the given socio-economic conditions of both states. The thesis specifically compares the parameters of maternity and parental leave determined by social policy, gender role distribution, childcare availability for preschool-age children, and the offer of alternative work arrangements. The comparative analysis demonstrates that while the Swedish system actively supports career continuity, the Czech model reinforces long-term care. The thesis identifies structural deficiencies as the main barriers in the Czech Republic, particularly the critical lack of childcare for children under the three years of age and the low enforceability of the right to part-time work.