Equal Pay Day 2026: FUTURE
The theme of this year's Equal Pay Day is the persistent gender pay gap in the Czech Republic. This gap represents not only a problem of equal pay, but also a loss of significant social potential, which is often untapped due to stereotypes, insufficient support for work-life balance, and ineffective communication.
An eye-opening day.
A day that connects data, technology, leadership and the human dimension of work.
A day that leaves you not only inspired – but with the desire to change things.
The Czech Republic has long been among the EU countries with the largest gender pay gap. We are in 25th place out of 27 Member States. Changes are coming, but slowly. It is a challenge. It is an opportunity. And it is a question of the future of companies and of society as a whole.
Equal Pay Day is a place where people meet who want to understand the changes – and can turn them into practice.
Equal Pay Day Your dose of inspiration and motivation for the whole year.
MAIN TOPICS OF THE CONFERENCE
gender pay gap · equal opportunities · leadership · generation Z · AI · media · future of work
Program konference 26.3.2026
Uvedený program je orientační a může se v průběhu příprav měnit.
8:15 – 9:00
REGISTRATION | space for informal networking
Our conference app helps you find people worth talking to – even before the program starts.
8:55 – 9:05
OPENING CEREMONY | It’s time to close the gender pay gap. It’s time to open the Equal Pay Day conference.
A short, energetic opening of the day that sets the direction – the future.
9:05 – 9:25
GENERATION Z IS COMING. A FAIR ENVIRONMENT? WE CAN DO IT!
Business case & leadership talk
How to attract, retain and motivate a generation that is changing the rules of the game?
How does Gen Z perceive equal opportunities, transparency and corporate values?
And why will leadership that remains in the past not work in the future?
Fabio Costa, Managing Director of Philip Morris ČR
Kateřina Bičáková, Manager People & Culture Operations Philip Morris ČR
9:25 – 9:45
GENDER PAY GAP: DATA, ARGUMENTS, STRATEGIES.
What does the data really say today?
How to prepare for new reporting obligations and employee expectations?
And how to transform equal pay from a “sensitive topic” into a functional system?
9:45 – 10:05
GENDER PAY GAP? NO, THANK YOU.
The Business Case for Transparent Pay
How to get started on the path to fair and transparent pay – and why it’s worth it?
Inspiration from practice, dead ends, and mistakes you don’t need to repeat.
Performance Partner: Raiffeisenbank
10:05 – 10:45
WORLD ON THE MOVE | Equal opportunities, AI and the gender pay gap: how the world is tackling it
Where to look for inspiration abroad?
How does AI help – and where can it actually exacerbate inequalities?
What can we learn from global examples today?
10:45 – 11:10
REFRESH YOURSELF
a short break, coffee and a fresh mind for another inspiring performance
11:10 – 11:20
OECD DATA AND VISION | Exclusive entry for Equal Pay Day
How does the OECD see the future of work, equality and AI?
What trends will shape economies in the coming years?
František Růžička, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD
11:20 – 11:40
HOW TO BUILD A FAIR INTERNAL CULTURE THAT GROWS WITH BUSINESS
When equal opportunities become part of the company’s DNA.
What specifically works in practice – and why it brings results.
Tomáš Krňávek, Sales Head CZ&SK at MARS
11:40 – 12:00
WHAT DO PEOPLE WANT? WE’LL TELL YOU.
Exclusive IPSOS research results for Danone.
What do people expect from employers?
How are their values, motivation and attitude towards work changing?
12:00 – 12:15
HOW AI IS TAKING WOMEN TO THE BOARDROOMS
How AI can support diversity in decision-making positions – if it is set up correctly.
Carol Constant, G100 Council Member for Pay Parity
12:15 – 13:30
BUFFET LUNCH | NETWORKING
Hotel restaurant Veduta on the 2nd floor
13:30 – 13:40
INSPIRATIONAL TALK
A short personal story about a decision that changed company culture, leadership, or the way we view equality. A story of an unusual career.
13:40 – 14:10
CORPORATE CHALLENGES THROUGH THE EYES OF THE SUCCESSFUL | 3 people · 3 challenges · 3 specific decisions
What didn’t work.
What would they do differently today.
And what really works in the reality of companies.
14:10 – 14:40
MEDIA, AI AND THE IMAGE OF SUCCESS
Who do we see as an authority in the media – and who do we not see?
How do algorithms, content and AI affect visibility, ambition and leadership?
Why does it matter not only to the media, but also to companies?
Women in the media, media about women and (in)equality?
14:40 – 15:00
IT WAS JUST A JOKE.
Modern self-defense against rejection, stereotypes and manipulation
Humor, concrete practical situations and a lively dialogue from a female and male perspective.
How to communicate equality so that women are not perceived as hysterical and men as guilty – and cooperation works.
15:00 – 15:30
REFRESH YOURSELF
a short break, coffee and a fresh mind for another inspiring performance
15:30 – 16:00
TRENDS of 2026
Labor market, leadership, AI and equal opportunities
What will end.
What will grow.
And what companies and people must start solving now if they want to survive.
16:00 – 16:20
INSPIRATIONAL TALK BY FOREIGN PERSONALITY
A global perspective on the future of work, equality and leadership.
16:20 – 16:50
INSPIRATIONAL DISCUSSION | A Future Without Illusions: What We Are Not Ready For
An open discussion about what awaits us – and what we often don’t want to hear.
16:50 – 17:00
EQUAL POWER CONTINUES |CONFERENCE CLOSING CEREMONY
17:00 – 18:00
NETWORKING, BUSINESS MEETING, TALK
start your future with cooperation!
19:00 – 20:00
ANGELIC TONES
Continue with us at an exceptional musical encounter in the magical space of the Church of St. Joseph in Prague in the Lesser Town, prepared for EPD by Markéta Fassatti. Capacity is limited, reserve your place in time.
Ticket for 1290,-CZK buy here.
