By; Staff Writer
June 6, 2025
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in a new study reports that in the region females are more than doubly likely to complete tertiary education than compared to males.
The study, “Labour Market Differentials in the Caribbean: Gender, Age, Indigeneity,” said that for Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines: “While at the lower secondary school (LSS) level the gender differences were not stark, at the tertiary level there is a considerable difference in completion between males and females, with significantly higher completion rates for female students. This raises concerns about male underachievement in academics and preparedness for participation in the labour market.
“Accompanying these concerns about academic performance were the neither in employment, education or training (NEET) rates for the regional youth. Despite the limited data, where available, there was an observed post-pandemic increase in NEET rates for young men (up to 4% in some cases), while rates remained roughly consistent for young women.”
The NEET rate, which measures the proportion of young people (typically 15-24) not in education, employment, or training, is a key indicator of youth well-being and economic activity. Globally, a significant percentage of youth are classified as NEET.
The study continued: “Additionally, the high overall rate of young women in NEET postCOVID-19 warrants examination (18%–41%). One issue that influences the higher NEET rate for females is teenage pregnancies.”
The report also said: “Access to education and training is crucial for gender equality, enabling economic independence and empowerment. The rise of digital technologies presents both risks and opportunities within the gender construct.
“While these technologies can create new jobs and offer flexible work arrangements, which may be beneficial to women’s employment (in the context of disproportionate care responsibilities), they also exacerbate inequalities for those within the digital divide.
“The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these dynamics, showcasing digital technologies’ potential while exposing vulnerabilities for those lacking access.”
The report added: “Labour force participation rates, representing the active workforce, provide insights into gender equality within the labour market. Despite progress, only eight client countries have legislation addressing equality of opportunity and treatment: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
“However, the existence of such laws does not guarantee equality. This study further reveals that in Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, legislation does not mandate equal pay for equal work, perpetuating gender wage gaps. Further, in Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, laws restrict women’s ability to work industrial jobs, highlighting persistent gender discrimination.”