Interview in RPP

Economist Donita Rodríguez presented projections on the role of women in the Peruvian economy. Although their participation is growing, challenges such as informality and the wage gap persist. She highlighted the need for policies that promote equity, access to childcare services, and technology training.

Donita Rodríguez, Head of Macroeconomic Analysis at the Business Advisory Service (SAE), appeared on Economía Para Todos on RPP and shared projections on the role of women in the Peruvian economy, which continues to grow. However, significant challenges remain.

Formal economy: Women’s participation in the formal economy stands at approximately 37%, compared to 63% for men. In sectors such as commerce and services, this figure rises to nearly 40%.

Female heads of household: The percentage of women who are heads of household has increased from 28% in 2005 to nearly 40% today, making them key decision-makers in household consumption, prioritizing spending on health and education.

Wage Gaps

Despite progress, Rodríguez pointed out that wage gaps and informality remain major obstacles to gender equity in the workplace.

• Wage Gap: When comparing men and women with equivalent characteristics in the labor market, the gender-based wage gap remains at 19%.
• Salary Differences: 73% of women in the formal sector earn less than S/ 2,000, compared to an average of over S/ 2,500 for men.
• Disproportionate Burden: Women often face an unequal share of household tasks, limiting their opportunities to complete their education and enter the labor market under equal conditions.

Proposed Policies and Solutions

Rodríguez stressed the need for policies that address inequality in household task distribution and improve access to childcare services.

• Cuna Más Program: Strengthening programs like Cuna Más is crucial to supporting low-income women, for whom childcare costs can be prohibitive.
• Workplace Flexibility: Implementing more flexible working hours and allowing children to enroll in childcare centers near workplaces are viable measures.
• Business Initiatives: Promoting salary transparency policies and certifications for companies that support gender equity.
• Training: Providing entrepreneurship and innovation training, especially in high-potential fields like Data Analytics.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Expanding Cuna Más centers through the Obras por Impuestos (Works for Taxes) program.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Rodríguez also highlighted the importance of empowering women in the technological revolution, particularly in areas like Data Analytics, where their participation remains low.

Although women’s participation in politics has increased, Rodríguez pointed out that more efforts are needed to ensure that women take on leadership roles and play a key role in government decision-making.

Source: https://rpp.pe/economia/economia/brecha-salarial-e-informalidad-persisten-en-el-mercado-laboral-que-politicas-proponen-los-expertos-noticia-1620645