Gender inequality and economic empowerment studies highlight systemic barriers for women

Research in Argentina and Mexico highlights the complex relationship between women's economic status and social challenges. In Tucumán, Argentina, a report from the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán Public Policy Laboratory reveals a persistent monthly income gap between men and women. Despite women possessing higher education levels, they earn less due to the unequal distribution of unpaid domestic responsibilities, which often forces them into part-time work. The study notes that the wage gap disappears when evaluating hourly pay, indicating that the issue is a lack of time for full-time formal employment rather than direct hourly discrimination.

In Mexico, research presented at the UNAM International Book Fair (FILUNI) challenges the effectiveness of public policies that view economic empowerment as a primary solution to gender violence. Author Daniela Eugenia Olvera Rosillo argues that simply providing access to jobs or income does not guarantee a life free from violence, especially for women facing intersecting vulnerabilities such as low socioeconomic status or single motherhood. The findings suggest that institutional strategies focusing solely on labor market incorporation are insufficient to address the complexities of gender-based violence.