Evolution of Paraguay’s Gender Earnings Gap from 2002 to 2019

Abstract

This study analyzes the evolution of Paraguay’s gender earnings gap from 2002 to 2019. It uses data from household surveys harmonized by the IDB. We estimate the gap using Blinder-Oaxaca and Ñopo decompositions and find that much of the gap cannot be explained by factors like experience, personal and family characteristics, industry, occupation, region, or setting and is likely tied to regulatory factors, biases, or discrimination. The gap is widest in the informal sector, especially among less educated and rural people. Regarding a nationwide widening or narrowing of the gap we find no clear trend during the period analyzed.