The research was based on the opinions of 2,185 women residents of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Mexico. Among the results, 7 out of 10 women surveyed believe that it is easier for men to obtain managerial positions in a company.

They point out other factors related to the work environment where women perceive inequality; for example, they believe that it is easier for men to obtain a salary increase (53%); develop professionally (50%), get a job (53%) and work flexibly (49%).

Professional development is also seen as stagnant mostly for women due to childcare tasks (59%) and in that, in general, men earn better salaries for the same work (57%).

The study also highlights that 30% of women consider that economic independence is a fundamental factor in achieving gender equality in the region, while 83% of women say that more and more women are creating their own businesses or becoming entrepreneurs as part of their economic independence.

In general, the findings point to a clear consensus: for women in all the countries surveyed, the balance is always more in favor of men, but in sectors such as the health system and access to education there is less inequality.

Avon working for gender equality

Avon, as a company that supports economic independence, entrepreneurship and the welfare of women, calls for equal employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for salvadoran women. According to Yesenia de Alvares, Country Manager of Avon El Salvador, gender gaps must be broken and conditions must be created that allow professional growth and personal development for both women and men, she said. 

In Avon, women's leadership is a key element. In Central America and the Dominican Republic, the company has 869 employees, of which 440 are women (50%). Similarly, more than half of the management positions are held by women (57%).

In an effort to raise awareness and generate actions to improve the quality of life of women, Avon gave a presentation on "Gender equity in the workplace", with the participation of Sandra Liborio, a gender specialist, and Alfredo Castellanos, the company's Human Resources Coordinator.

World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum presented the results of the Gender Gap 2022 study, which states that the global gender gap has been reduced by 68.1% in recent years and also suggests that at this rate of progress it will take 132 years to reach full parity. Although measurable structural progress has been made, Avon's research shows that women's everyday experiences are a clear example that there is still much work to be done in all areas.

This study showed that female entrepreneurship is growing worldwide. Between 8 and 10 million small and medium-sized enterprises in development have at least one woman owner. Despite this, men still outnumber women by a ratio of three to one in terms of business ownership.

Translated by: A.M