Unlocking the Door to Equality: Impact of Colombia’s Educational System on its Female Participation Rate in the Labor Market

Abstract

Despite rising female education in Colombia, women still face significant obstacles as regards their labor force participation. Urban areas offer better job opportunities with higher income premiums in productive sectors, while rural areas rely heavily on agriculture. The findings reveal an increasing women's participation rate in the labor market attributed to rising female educational attainment at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Enhancing technical training skills has also positively impacted labor force participation. The National Learning Service (SENA) has played a significant role in empowering women with the suitable skill set for improved employability, mainly through entrepreneurship programs in both rural and urban areas. Hence, women's education and employment in well-paying jobs have contributed to narrowing the gender wage gap in Colombia over time.