Post
Published on June 29, 2023
![](https://www.yorku.ca/dighr/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2022/09/3.-Douglas-B-Sept-21-1-v2-300x157.png)
On September 21, 2022, Douglas Barraza and Eduardo Castro examined structural gender inequality in Central America. Douglas introduced survey results about the labour conditions across various countries in Central America and how these circumstances have resulted in higher rates of unemployment among women. Some countries such as Panama and Costa Rica fare better comparatively (e.g., better employee benefits such as two weeks of paid vacation, pensions, resting or sick days, and maternity and paternity leave) however, much improvement is still required.
Between 2015 to 2019, the employment rate of women has increased slightly, but the employment rate for men is still nearly double that of woman. Eduardo added that not only is there a disparity between employment opportunities between men and women, but there is also a division between citizens and migrant workers where immigrant workers often work in unsafe conditions with fewer benefits.
Douglas and his research team found that regardless of gender and status, all workers are working longer hours. To earn a minimum wage of $400 USD per month, many are working around 40 to 60 hours a week. These workers risk compromising their health working overtime in dangerous work conditions. His research measured the safety of work environments with a criterion that included items like exposure to elevated noise, exposure to toxic chemicals, continuous repetitive movement, requirement to work fast, union health and safety offices at work, risk-prevention services, and the workers perceived level of health. Despite the efforts, more progress needs to be made towards improving the working conditions for all citizens regardless of gender and immigration status.
Watch the seminar presentation below:
Connect with Douglas Barraza and Eduardo Castro
Themes | Global Health & Humanitarianism |
Status | Active |
Related Work |
N/A
|
Updates |
N/A
|
People |
N/A
|
You may also be interested in...
Don't Miss Our Winter 2023 Lineup of Events
Join us for a winter semester packed with insightful seminars from inspiring global health researchers at the Dahdaleh Institute: How to Influence Public Policy...What Happens When You Leave the Room? with Jean-Jacques RousseauGlobal Environmental Changes, ...Read more about this Post
Reflecting on Black Educators and Education with Black History Month Panellists
Originally published by News@York (27 February 2024) “February is Black History Month, but we make history every day” –Ruth Rodney, associate director, Harriet Tubman Institute Education, particularly math education, is not a neutral space for Black students. It ...Read more about this Post
York U health researcher tackles TB stigma through partnership in India
Originally published by YFile (26 October 2023) By Corey Allen, senior manager, research communications As a leading international teaching and research university, a key focus at York is global health research, particularly on pressing issues facing the ...Read more about this Post