CDB Unveils Landmark Study on Caribbean Labour Market Inequities

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has published a comprehensive study titled Labour Market Differentials in the Caribbean: Gender, Age, Indigeneity, which sheds light on persistent and systemic disparities affecting women, youth, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities in the region’s labour markets. The findings call for urgent and inclusive policy reforms to dismantle longstanding structural barriers and foster equitable and inclusive economic growth, the Bank said in a release.

The study explores several critical dimensions of labour market inequality, including:

• The economic value of unpaid care work—largely undertaken by women—which is routinely excluded from traditional labour statistics, leading to its systemic undervaluation;

• Gender disparities, where women, despite higher levels of education, experience lower employment rates and are under-represented in higher-paying sectors;

• The declining participation of males in educational and employment opportunities;

• The dual challenge of ageing populations and high youth unemployment across the region;

• The compounded disadvantages faced by indigenous and disabled populations in accessing fair employment opportunities.

Acting Director of Economics at CDB, Christine Dawson, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to unlock the region’s full development potential.

“The Caribbean has a tremendous opportunity to redefine our workforce paradigms as economies rebound from the pandemic and other structural shocks. We must act decisively to level the playing field and unlock the full potential of all contributors to the labour force,” she is quoted in the release as stating. “Policymakers must, in light of this report, deliberately examine and seek to dismantle the systemic barriers facing the region’s vulnerable groups.”

Acting Director of the Projects Department at CDB, L. O’Reilly Lewis, echoed the Bank’s commitment to advancing inclusive development across the region.

“We’re taking a leadership role in driving positive change. The gaps identified in the report highlight a need for inclusive labour policies, targeted education and training, and data-driven decision-making,” he said.

“This study serves as a call to action for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to address entrenched inequalities and work towards a more inclusive and equitable Caribbean labour market.”

The Bank continues to urge all stakeholders—including governments, civil society, private sector, and development partners—to engage with the study’s findings and collaborate on the design and implementation of strategies that promote equity and resilience within the Caribbean workforce.