Increasing female labor force participation and power through procurement

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In 2020, the Colombian government included gender selection criteria in project bidding documents and contracts to promote the participation of women in civil works while offering equal pay for men and women. The legislation also covers tariffs, provides financial incentives, and offers government strategies that support the development of women led businesses. For example, the legislation states that rural businesses that are majority women-owned have priority in receiving technical and financial support from the state – a key barrier for these businesses.

In line with these new requirements the Colombian government requested the World Bank to include a gender criteria in project contracts to promote the participation of women in civil works which offered equal pay for men and women. The contract requirements were written to include compliance indicators for hiring females and penalties, including fines, if the goals were not met. All contractors met these stipulations.

Increasing women's participation

The contract requirements included compliance indicators for hiring females and penalties, including fines, if the goals were not met. The numbers tell the story. On the construction sites—the most demanding workplace of large building projects—women initially made up only 4 percent to 6 percent of workers. Soon, participation almost tripled to reach 15 percent of the workforce. Officials drafted a labor code with a gender perspective and designed an awareness campaign to prevent sexual abuse and harassment. These are now referenced to be replicated in other projects. 

Colombia plans to build on these accomplishments, and local governments have picked up on the successes. From June 2023, nearly 14% of all public works awards in the capital city of Bogotá, a sector with traditionally low participation of women, must go to women led businesses. Bogotá will also continue a project that promotes SMEs led by women in the city’s public contracts.