The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is dedicated to improving quality of life by reducing inequalities and fostering fairer and more equitable societies where all people can reach their full potential. Detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities in the region is essential to design effective interventions that promote inclusive development.
In this regard, lack of inclusion and equity in the region are persistent problems that affect economic and social development. For example, women face higher unemployment rates and lower wages compared to men. Furthermore, people with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and indigenous peoples often encounter significant barriers to accessing education and employment. The IDB’s Gender and Diversity Division works to address these issues by collecting data, conducting studies, and implementing projects in the countries.
Analytical Work for Equality
Expanding Opportunities: Policies for Gender Equality and Inclusion
This book analyzes the progress and persistent challenges in achieving equality and inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite significant advances made by women in education, health, and labor force participation, considerable gaps remain in areas such as economic opportunities and leadership positions in politics. At the same time, violence against women remains high. The content proposes a comprehensive policy framework structured around three pillars: foundational policies, policies that enable economic opportunity, and institutional reforms. Addressing these challenges requires evidence-based policies.
Guide to Promote Gender Equality in Latin American and Caribbean Companies
This guide directs the business sector in creating measures that promote equal opportunities between men and women in the workplace. It is aimed at organizations of all sizes and sectors that seek to build more equitable and inclusive work environments. It offers evidence, support resources, and practical tools for adopting specific policies. Additionally, it presents roadmaps to address key dimensions such as female leadership, pay equity, shared caregiving responsibilities, and inclusive value chains, with case studies showing the results achieved.
Seeds to Inclusion: What We Know and Don’t Know About Disability Policy
Approximately one in seven people in Latin America and the Caribbean lives with a disability. However, the barriers they face, and their needs are often overlooked. Moreover, policies aimed at fostering inclusion remain under-studied. This report examines the effectiveness of inclusion policies for people with disabilities in the areas of education, health, labor markets, and social protection. By highlighting evidence-based interventions, this volume aims to foster policy approaches that promote inclusion and improve the quality of life for millions of people with disabilities.
GDLab – Gender and Diversity Knowledge Initiative
The Gender and Diversity Knowledge Initiative of the IDB Group (GDLab) promotes, leads, and funds research to achieve a more inclusive and equitable society in Latin America and the Caribbean. GDLab focuses on the inequalities faced by women and diverse groups in the region. The generation of rigorous knowledge is essential for advancing the reduction of these gaps and promoting inclusive growth. By producing and disseminating new evidence, GDLab informs the design of public policies and reforms, as well as the IDB Group’s operations in the region.
Data in Practice
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) works to incorporate gender and diversity perspectives, setting specific goals across all sectors and instruments of the institution. To formalize and guide this work, the Gender and Diversity Action Plan (GDAP) was developed. The most recent plan covers the period from 2022 to 2025.
Gender equality and inclusion are fundamental pillars for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through comprehensive and evidence-based policies, it is possible to address persistent gaps in economic opportunities, political leadership, and social protection.
The efforts of the IDB, especially its analytical and on-the-ground work, provide a solid framework to face these challenges. Promoting equitable workspaces and the inclusion of people with disabilities not only improves the quality of life for millions of people but also drives economic and social growth, building more just and prosperous societies.
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