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The path to gender equality in Colombia: Are we there yet?

Author

Listed:
  • Ana María Iregui-Bohórquez

    (Banco de la República de Colombia)

  • Ligia Alba Melo-Becerra

    (Banco de la República de Colombia)

  • María Teresa Ramírez-Giraldo

    (Banco de la República de Colombia)

  • Ana María Tribín-Uribe

    (Banco de la República de Colombia)

Abstract
This document analyzes the historical process of women transformation in education, employment, fertility, civil rights and political participation in Colombia during the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Four stages of this transformation were identified in this article. The first stage, from 1905 to 1935, was characterized by high fertility and maternal mortality rates, low enrollment rates in education, low labor participation and few civil and political rights. In the second stage, between 1936 and 1965, high fertility rates and low labor participation continued to be observed; however, enrollment in education increased, although it was still low. During this stage, women achieved the right to vote and the right to be elected. The third stage, between 1966 and 1985, stood out for the demographic transition, for a greater education of women and for an increase in their labor participation. In the fourth stage, from 1985 to the present, there is a significant increase in the enrollment of women in higher education, exceeding that of men. Maternal mortality and fertility rates continued to decline, women's labor participation kept increasing, although since the beginning of the 21st century it stagnated, and the wage gender gap still persists. Also, a greater presence of women in politics is observed; however, they are a minority in this area. Finally, despite the progress made by women throughout the period analyzed, gender inequalities are still entrenched and persist over time, especially in labor and political participation. **** RESUMEN: Este documento analiza el proceso histórico de la transformación de las mujeres en educación, empleo, fertilidad, derechos civiles y participación política en Colombia durante el siglo XX y comienzos del siglo XXI. En este artículo se identifican cuatro etapas de esta transformación. La primera, de 1905 a 1935, caracterizada por altas tasas de fertilidad y de mortalidad materna, bajas tasas de cobertura en educación, baja participación laboral y escasos derechos civiles y políticos. En la segunda etapa, entre 1936 y 1965, se continúan observando altas tasas de fertilidad y baja participación laboral; sin embargo, se incrementa la cobertura en educación, aunque esta continúa siendo baja. Durante esta etapa las mujeres lograron el derecho al voto y el derecho a ser elegidas. La tercera, entre 1966 y 1985, se destaca por la transición demográfica, por una mayor educación de las mujeres y por un aumento en su participación laboral. En la cuarta etapa, desde 1985 hasta el presente, hay un aumento importante en la matrícula de las mujeres en educación superior, superando la de los hombres; las tasas de mortalidad y fertilidad continuaron reduciéndose, la participación laboral de las mujeres siguió creciendo, aunque desde comienzos del siglo XXI se estancó, y las brechas salariales entre hombres y mujeres aún persisten. En esta etapa, se observa una mayor presencia de las mujeres en la política; sin embargo, todavía siguen siendo una minoría en ese ámbito. A pesar de los avances logrados por las mujeres a lo largo del período analizado, subsisten desigualdades importantes de género, especialmente en materia laboral y de participación política.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana María Iregui-Bohórquez & Ligia Alba Melo-Becerra & María Teresa Ramírez-Giraldo & Ana María Tribín-Uribe, 2020. "The path to gender equality in Colombia: Are we there yet?," Borradores de Economia 1131, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdr:borrec:1131
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.32468/be.1131
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    Cited by:

    1. Hector Galindo-Silva & Paula Herrera-Id'arraga, 2023. "Culture, Gender, and Labor Force Participation: Evidence from Colombia," Papers 2307.08869, arXiv.org.
    2. Nicolás Urdaneta Andrade, 2021. "¿Hombres "cracks" y mujeres "amables"? Sesgos de género en encuestas de profesores," Documentos CEDE 19557, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
    3. Andrea Salazar-Díaz, 2022. "Ingreso relativo, identidad de género y brecha en el trabajo doméstico no remunerado: Evidencia para Colombia," Borradores de Economia 1191, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    4. Ana María Iregui-Bohórquez & María Teresa Ramírez-Giraldo & Sara Isabel Caicedo-Silva, 2024. "Las mujeres en la banca central: El caso del Banco de la República de Colombia, 1923-2023," Cuadernos de Historia Económica 62, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    5. Ligia Alba Melo-Becerra & Jorge Enrique Ramos-Forero & Jorge Leonardo Rodríguez Arenas & Héctor M. Zárate-Solano, 2021. "Efecto de la pandemia sobre el sistema educativo: El caso de Colombia," Borradores de Economia 1179, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    6. Juliana Jaramillo-Echeverri, 2023. "La transición de la fecundidad en Colombia: nueva evidencia regional," Cuadernos de Historia Económica 60, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    7. Juliana Jaramillo-Echeverri, 2024. "Understanding the relationship between women’s education and fertility decline: Evidence from Colombia," Cuadernos de Historia Económica 63, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Demographic transition; gender gaps; labor participation; education; transición demográfica; brechas de género; participación laboral; educación;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • N36 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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