Equity and Efficiency: Gender Economics and Labor Market Participation Training Course

Introduction

Despite notable progress in gender equality, significant disparities persist in labor markets worldwide, ranging from wage gaps and occupational segregation to unequal access to opportunities and leadership roles. These disparities not only represent social injustices but also hinder economic growth and human potential, as the underutilization of half the population's talent leads to inefficiencies and lost productivity. Gender economics applies rigorous economic analysis to understand the complex interplay of individual choices, societal norms, institutional structures, and policies that shape these outcomes.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of gender economics, with a particular focus on women's and men's labor market participation. From dissecting the theoretical foundations of labor supply and demand through a gender lens to analyzing empirical evidence on wage gaps, discrimination, and the role of family responsibilities, you will gain the expertise to critically assess existing inequalities and design effective policy interventions. This empowers you to contribute to fostering more inclusive, equitable, and efficient labor markets, driving both social progress and economic development.

Target Audience

  • Economists and labor market analysts in government, international organizations, and research institutions.
  • Policy advisors and policymakers focusing on gender equality, employment, and social protection.
  • Researchers and academics in economics, sociology, and public policy.
  • Human resources professionals and diversity & inclusion specialists.
  • Development practitioners working on women's economic empowerment.
  • Gender specialists in NGOs and advocacy groups.
  • Graduate students (Master's and PhD) in economics, labor studies, or gender studies.
  • Anyone interested in the economic drivers and consequences of gender inequality in the workforce.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the core concepts of gender economics and its distinct approach to economic analysis.
  • Grasp the theoretical frameworks explaining gender differences in labor supply, demand, and market outcomes.
  • Analyze the various factors influencing women's and men's labor force participation rates.
  • Comprehend the drivers of gender wage gaps and occupational segregation, including discrimination and human capital differences.
  • Evaluate the impact of family responsibilities, social norms, and institutional biases on labor market choices.
  • Develop practical skills in analyzing labor market data through a gender lens and identifying key disparities.
  • Navigate different policy interventions aimed at promoting gender equality in the labor market.
  • Formulate evidence-based recommendations for gender-responsive employment policies and programs.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Gender Economics and Labor Market Analysis
  • Defining gender economics: concepts, scope, and key questions
  • Historical evolution of women's labor force participation
  • Basic labor market concepts: labor supply, labor demand, equilibrium
  • Why gender matters in economic analysis: efficiency and equity arguments
  • Overview of data sources and measurement challenges in gender labor economics
  1. Theoretical Frameworks of Labor Supply and Household Production
  • Neoclassical model of labor-leisure choice with a gender perspective
  • The household as an economic unit: specialization, bargaining models (Becker, collective models)
  • Opportunity cost of time and its implications for market vs. home production
  • Fertility decisions and women's labor force participation
  • The "double burden" and time poverty for women
  1. Factors Influencing Labor Force Participation
  • Individual Characteristics: Education, skills, age, marital status, number of children
  • Household Characteristics: Income of other household members, childcare availability, domestic work burden
  • Socio-Cultural Factors: Gender norms, stereotypes, religious beliefs
  • Economic Conditions: Economic development, industrial structure, labor market policies
  • Cross-country comparisons of female labor force participation rates
  1. Gender Wage Gaps: Measurement and Drivers
  • Defining the gender wage gap: raw vs. adjusted gaps
  • Human capital explanations: education, experience, training (e.g., Mincerian equations)
  • Occupational and sectoral segregation: "sticky floors" and "glass ceilings"
  • Discrimination: taste-based, statistical, and implicit bias
  • Methodologies for decomposing the wage gap (e.g., Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition)
  1. Occupational and Sectoral Segregation
  • Horizontal segregation: men and women in different occupations/industries
  • Vertical segregation: men and women in different hierarchies/levels within occupations
  • Explanations for segregation: preferences, human capital, discrimination, social norms
  • Consequences of segregation: wage penalties, limited career progression
  • Policies to address segregation and promote diversification
  1. Discrimination in the Labor Market
  • Theoretical models of discrimination (Becker, Phelps, Arrow)
  • Empirical evidence of discrimination: audit studies, natural experiments
  • The role of unconscious bias in hiring, promotion, and pay decisions
  • Legal frameworks and anti-discrimination policies
  • Corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives
  1. Work-Family Balance and Policies
  • The conflict between paid work and unpaid care responsibilities
  • Impact of childcare costs and availability on women's labor supply
  • Parental leave policies: maternity, paternity, and shared leave
  • Flexible work arrangements: telecommuting, part-time work, compressed hours
  • Policies promoting work-life balance for both men and women
  1. Labor Market Institutions and Gender
  • Minimum wage laws and their differential impact by gender
  • Labor unions and collective bargaining for gender equality
  • Social protection policies: unemployment benefits, pensions, health insurance
  • Taxation systems and their influence on household labor supply decisions
  • The informal sector and precarious work: disproportionate impact on women
  1. Policy Interventions for Gender Equality in Labor Markets
  • Education and skill development policies for girls and women
  • Active labor market policies (ALMPs) with a gender focus
  • Legislation promoting equal pay and non-discrimination
  • Public investment in care infrastructure (childcare, eldercare)
  • Promoting female entrepreneurship and access to finance
  • Addressing gender stereotypes in education and vocational training
  1. Emerging Issues and Global Perspectives
  • The impact of automation and AI on gendered employment patterns
  • Gender and the gig economy: opportunities and challenges
  • Measuring and valuing unpaid care work: satellite accounts, time use surveys
  • Intersectional analysis: gender, race, class, and other dimensions of inequality
  • International conventions and global goals (e.g., SDGs) related to gender and work
  • Future research directions in gender economics and labor markets.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Equity And Efficiency: Gender Economics And Labor Market Participation Training Course in Kenya
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