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dc.titleParticipation of Women in Public Procurement: Experiences and Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean
dc.contributor.authorComotto, Sabrina
dc.contributor.authorHarper, Leslie
dc.contributor.authorInostroza Castro, Maria Trinidad
dc.contributor.orgunitFiscal Management Division
dc.contributor.orgunitInstitutions for Development Sector
dc.coverageChile
dc.coverageArgentina
dc.coverageHonduras
dc.coverageDominica
dc.coverageCentral America
dc.coverageLatin America
dc.coverageThe Caribbean
dc.coverageSouth America
dc.coverageSouthern Cone
dc.date.available2026-01-28T00:01:00
dc.date.issue2026-01-28T00:01:00
dc.description.abstractThis study addresses the low participation of women in public procurement markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, where significant gender gaps in access to economic opportunities persist. The work identifies and systematizes initiatives implemented in the region to incorporate public procurement policies that encourage the participation of women-owned and women-led companies. The authors used a qualitative methodology based on a documentary review of regulations, public procurement portals, official programs, and available statistical data. The analysis identifies the main approaches, instruments, and policy experiences such as the Sello Empresa Mujer implemented in Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and other countries. The study documents a growing adoption of both horizontal (training, certification, transparency) and vertical measures (quotas, preferences, special clauses), which have increased the visibility and participation of women in public procurement. In the case of Chile, for example, the participation of women-led companies in public procurement grew by 38.5 percent from 2022 to 2023. These results demonstrate that public procurement can be an effective tool for reducing gender inequalities and promoting inclusive development. The research offers useful lessons for formulating more inclusive public policies and shows that, with the appropriate design of incentives and implementation mechanisms, it is possible to strengthen the economic role of women at the state level.
dc.format.extent51
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0013920
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Participation-of-Women-in-Public-Procurement-Experiences-and-Lessons-from-Latin-America-and-the-Caribbean.pdf
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/spanish/document/Participacion-de-mujeres-en-las-compras-publicas-experiencias-y-lecciones-de-America-Latina-y-el-Caribe.pdf
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherInter-American Development Bank
dc.subjectWomen
dc.subjectPublic Procurement
dc.subjectFemale Representation
dc.subjectSmall Business
dc.subjectService Provider
dc.subjectGender and Development
dc.subjectProcurement
dc.subjectGender
dc.subjectGender Mainstreaming
dc.subjectGender Equity
dc.subjectWomen Entrepreneurs
dc.subject.jelcodeI38 - Government Policy • Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
dc.subject.jelcodeH53 - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
dc.subject.keywordscompras públicas;Género;Paridad de Género;equidad de género;participación de las mujeres;enfoque de género;América Latina y el Caribe
dc.typeTechnical Notes
idb.identifier.pubnumberIDB-TN-03291
idb.operationRG-T4346
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