Gender Equality and the ESG Performance: An Index-Based Comparative Analysis of Hungary, Czechia, Poland, and Spain With a Focus on the Gender Pay Gap

This paper examines the environmental-corporate-societal performance of Hungary, Czechia, Poland, and Spain through an index-based approach, incorporating gender equality as a key dimension. The research aims to assess how gender disparities, particularly the gender pay gap, influence sustainability-related performance in these countries. The methodology employs a composite index integrating environmental, corporate, and societal indicators, weighted according to multiple scenarios to ensure robustness. The findings reveal significant variations among the analysed countries, highlighting the impact of gender disparities on corporate and societal outcomes. The results suggest that nations with narrower gender pay gaps tend to perform better in sustainability-related metrics, underlining the interdependence of economic inclusion and sustainable development. However, data availability and methodological constraints pose certain limitations. The paper provides insights for policymakers and business leaders seeking to enhance gender equality while fostering sustainable corporate and societal practices. The originality of this research lies in its multidimensional index approach, offering a novel perspective on the intersection of gender equality and sustainability performance across diverse European economies.