Swiss employers are still reluctant to hire mothers; a tourist region is at risk of a real estate bubble; and more news in our Friday roundup.
Mothers are often discriminated against in hiring process, experts say
For women in Switzerland, having children can be an obstacle in their professional careers, or even a real barrier to employment.
“The fact that women are disadvantaged in the job market because of their gender still exists,” said human resources expert Jörg Buckmann, adding that that “some prejudices persist among employers, although sometimes unconsciously.”
According to Swiss Association of SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises), the reason for the employers’ reluctance to hire mothers is purely pragmatic.
“In companies with only a few employees, it is hardly possible to fully compensate for a prolonged absence. Replacement solutions cost time and money.”
The Association acknowledged, however, that “much remains to be done,” also pointing out that “attitudes towards working mothers have changed positively in recent years.”
One Swiss region is “particularly at risk”of a real estate bubble
According to the new UBS Swiss Real Estate Bubble Index, the overall risks, though slightly higher in 2025, “continue to be moderate” in Switzerland.
However, one region is “particularly at risk” — parts of Graubünden, because “a significant imbalance exists in the canton’s tourist regions.”
Specifically, there is a substantial discrepancy in those areas between home prices and household incomes and rents.
In Graubünden therefore, the increased risk is a direct result of the second home boom, combined with a very tight supply, the UBS report notes.
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Swiss government pledges financial support for UN agencies
To counteract funding cuts decided by the United States, Switzerland is contributing 39 million francs to keep three UN agencies afloat.
They include organisations likely to suffer further US cuts because the nature of their activities.
The funding is as follows: 14.5 million francs to be given to UNFPA, which focuses on family planning, improved maternal care, and combating gender-based violence; 13 million francs for UNICEF, which plays a key role in ensuring access to education, healthcare and clean drinking water for millions of children around the world; and 11.5 francs million for UN Women, which furthers the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Through these contributions, Switzerland also shows its support for international Geneva, which has been impacted by the withdrawal of US funding, the Federal Council said in a press release on Thursday.
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The Swiss franc just celebrated its 175th anniversary
Switzerland’s famously strong and resilient currency was born on May 7th, 1850.
Before that date, the county had nearly 80 lords authorised to mint money.
Depending on the region, payment was made in batz, thalers, schillings, or centimes. Travellers crossing the country either had to carry several currencies or run from one exchange office to another.
In 1850, however, a new law was coined (pun intended) pulling together disparate currencies into one national one.
Article 1 of the Federal Currency Law of May 7, 1850 states that “Five grams of silver, nine-tenths fine, constitute the Swiss monetary unit, under the name of franc,” adding, for all posterity, that “the franc is divided into one hundred (100) centimes.”
And the rest is history.
READ ALSO: How Switzerland chose the franc as its currency
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