For nearly two decades between 1990 and 2018, women in Latin America and the Caribbean made substantial progress in reducing the large gender gap in the labor market. As female employment levels surged, and unemployment rates fell, labor force participation rates among women rose a full 25% and wage differentials dropped. To be sure, this progress … [Read more...] about Labor Market Gender Gaps in the Time of COVID in Latin America and the Caribbean
What does and doesn't work in development
Can teaching financial literacy help teachers improve their own financial habits?
Financial education programs often work for young people. But when targeting adults, attendance rates tend to plummet and old habits creep back in. Learning about finance is key to financial inclusion. So how can we better reach adults and transform their financial habits? Among youth, hands-on learning strategies are at least as successful as lectures. But we still know … [Read more...] about Can teaching financial literacy help teachers improve their own financial habits?
Measuring impact is key to meet the Sustainable Development Goals
What do nearly 200 CEOs of the world’s biggest companies have in common? They have recently committed to run their businesses for the benefit of all stakeholders–customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and shareholders. This high-profile declaration echoes mounting interest across the corporate and investment worlds in achieving positive social and environmental impact … [Read more...] about Measuring impact is key to meet the Sustainable Development Goals
Are temporary contracts harming productivity in Colombia?
Did you know that job contracts can affect a country’s GDP? It makes sense. Employment contracts have an impact on employee performance. If, as an employee, you have no intention of staying at your job for the long term, your lack of commitment will likely reduce your firm’s productivity, which in turn can reflect negatively on your country’s productivity and its GDP. Temporary … [Read more...] about Are temporary contracts harming productivity in Colombia?
Can impact evaluations improve project execution?
By Anna Crespo Development agencies are in a privileged position to foster a better understanding of program results and how to improve them. And it is in their interest to do so. After all, they want to sponsor effective interventions. One of these tools—impact evaluation—has been on the rise in international development in the last two decades. Not only can they isolate … [Read more...] about Can impact evaluations improve project execution?