In these days when the conditions in which today’s women walk towards inclusion and equality are being analyzed, It is appropriate to review how much ground they have gained in terms of economic independence and the conclusions do not provide good news.
On this, the signature Avon conducted a study in several countries Latin Americaincluding Colombiawith 2.100 women about gender equality in aspects such as work, government, finances and basic rights.
(Most of the unpaid work in the country is done by women).
One of the conclusions that, according to the analyzes is worrying, is that financial autonomy is not perceived as an essential condition for gender equality.
However, the 45% of those surveyed in Colombia affirm that it is easier for men to maintain themselves financially and be independent in this sense.
“It is quite questionable that 65% of the Colombian women surveyed contemplate that gender equality can exist even if there is no financial independence. Although this affirmation can have an endless number of points of view, it is imperative that we be aware that having autonomy in all senses leads us to achieve empowerment and even combat a type of violence that, although it seems subtle, is latent in our society: economic and patrimonial violence”, he maintains Maria Adelaide Saldarriagageneral manager of Avon Colombia.
(Only 38% of women study careers such as science or mathematics).
Unesco defines economic violence as the retention or improper use of women’s assets or even obtaining a lower salary for equal tasks within the same workplace. This is evident in families where the man is the one who controls and manipulates the income obtained or even deprives the woman of economic decisions within the home, even though the resources are obtained by herself.
Avon explains that the survey shows that the experiences lived by the women show that there is still a lot of work to be done, especially in the workplace.
They believe that it is easier for men to get a raise salary (53%); develop professionally (50%), get a job (53%) and work with flexibility (49%).
(Government asked for more candidates for management of the Federation of Coffee Growers).
In addition, they agree that the main barriers they find to develop professionally are due to childcare tasks (59%) since, in general, men earn better salaries for the same work (57%).
Closing gender gaps continues to be a critical factor for countries’ progress. In terms of economic opportunity, the report of the WEF stresses that it is important to take into account that women’s income represents only half of men’s estimated earnings in 2022, which means there are still significant economic barriers to gender parity.
(Women in Colombia suffer more poverty, why?).
Regarding the perception that women have about entrepreneurship, the survey shows that there are many biases and fears, although 62% of them consider that more and more venture into projects to have their own business.
26 percent of those consulted consider that it is easier for men to create a company, while 55% say that there is no difference with those who are of the opposite gender and want to undertake.
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