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A Cohort Analysis of the Gender Gap in Labor Force Participation in Colombia

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  • Francisco Javier Lasso-Valderrama
  • Mario Andrés Ramos-Veloza

Abstract

This study examines the cyclical and structural determinants of Labor Force Participation (LFP) in Colombia between 1984 and 2024, focusing on the gender gap and its implications for potential economic growth. We find that higher female participation drove the upward LFP trend until 2014 and that the added worker e ect predominates during economic fluctuations, particularly for women. Projecting the LFP to 2035 under various scenarios, we show that halving the gender gap could increase the potential annual GDP growth by up to 0.41 pp. This underscores the significant potential of increased female participation in driving economic growth and the need for supportive policy. *****RESUMEN: Este estudio analiza los factores cíclicos y estructurales que determinan la participación laboral en Colombia entre 1984 y 2024, centrándose en la brecha de género y sus implicaciones para el crecimiento económico potencial. Se encuentra que la mayor participación femenina impulsó la tendencia alcista hasta 2014, y que el efecto trabajador adicional predomina durante las fluctuaciones económicas, particularmente en las mujeres. Al proyectar la participación laboral hacia 2035 bajo distintos escenarios, se observa que reducir la brecha de género a la mitad podría incrementar el PIB potencial hasta en 0,41 puntos porcentuales anuales, lo que subraya el significativo potencial del aumento de la participación femenina para impulsar el crecimiento económico y la necesidad de políticas de apoyo.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Javier Lasso-Valderrama & Mario Andrés Ramos-Veloza, 2025. "A Cohort Analysis of the Gender Gap in Labor Force Participation in Colombia," Borradores de Economia 1326, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdr:borrec:1326
    DOI: 10.32468/be.1326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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