Participation of Women in Public Procurement: Experiences and Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean

This 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.