Brechas de Género en el Mercado Laboral: Un Análisis Comparativo en Bucaramanga y su Área Metropolitana en 2021

Abstract

This research analyzes the gender wage gap in the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (AMB), using data from the 2021 GEIH survey and an expanded sample. Through the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition model, a total wage gap of 32.11% was identified, of which approximately between12% and 27% cannot be explained by observable factors such as education, work experience, or economic sector—suggesting the presence of structural inequality. The study also found that women exhibit lower employment and labor force participation rates, as well as higher levels of underemployment, reflecting their systematic exclusion from formal labor opportunities. Although Bucaramanga has developed a technically solid public gender policy, the results indicate that it remains insufficient to overcome existing labor disparities. The study concludes that stronger metropolitan coordination, more effective affirmative actions, and a redesign of local strategies are required to achieve real economic inclusion for women in the region.