The Central Bank of Colombia published a new Ensayos Sobre Política Económica (ESPE) article examining gender gaps in Colombia, finding that despite advances in education and regulation for women, significant disparities persist, particularly in the labour market, and act as a structural constraint on the country’s economic development. The research concludes that narrowing gaps in labour-force participation and pay would generate positive macroeconomic effects by raising employment, productivity and economic growth, while also helping to ease fiscal pressures linked to population ageing and the sustainability of social protection systems. The study was coordinated by María Teresa Ramírez and involved 37 researchers from the Bank and other institutions. Ramírez is featured in the Bank’s Charlas BanRep series in conversation with economist Mauricio Reina on the scope of the ESPE 111 publication.
Central Bank of Colombia 2026-03-16
Central Bank of Colombia publishes ESPE study linking gender gaps to weaker growth and higher fiscal pressures
The Central Bank of Colombia's new Ensayos Sobre Política Económica article highlights persistent gender gaps in Colombia, particularly in the labour market, despite advances in education and regulation for women. The study suggests that reducing these disparities could enhance employment, productivity, and economic growth, while alleviating fiscal pressures related to population ageing and social protection sustainability.