The path to gender equality in Colombia: Are we there yet?

This document analyzes the historical process of women transformation in education, employment, fertility, civil rights and political participation in Colombia during the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Four stages of this transformation were identified in this article. The first stage, from 1905 to 1935, was characterized by high fertility and maternal mortality rates, low enrollment rates in education, low labor participation and few civil and political rights. In the second stage, between 1936 and 1965, high fertility rates and low labor participation continued to be observed; however, enrollment in education increased, although it was still low. During this stage, women achieved the right to vote and the right to be elected. The third stage, between 1966 and 1985, stood out for the demographic transition, for a greater education of women and for an increase in their labor participation. In the fourth stage, from 1985 to the present, there is a significant increase in the enrollment of women in higher education, exceeding that of men. Maternal mortality and fertility rates continued to decline, women's labor participation kept increasing, although since the beginning of the 21st century it stagnated, and the wage gender gap still persists. Also, a greater presence of women in politics is observed; however, they are a minority in this area. Finally, despite the progress made by women throughout the period analyzed, gender inequalities are still entrenched and persist over time, especially in labor and political participation. **** RESUMEN: Este documento analiza el proceso historico de la transformacion de las mujeres en educacion, empleo, fertilidad, derechos civiles y participacion politica en Colombia durante el siglo XX y comienzos del siglo XXI. En este articulo se identifican cuatro etapas de esta transformacion. La primera, de 1905 a 1935, caracterizada por altas tasas de fertilidad y de mortalidad materna, bajas tasas de cobertura en educacion, baja participacion laboral y escasos derechos civiles y politicos. En la segunda etapa, entre 1936 y 1965, se continuan observando altas tasas de fertilidad y baja participacion laboral; sin embargo, se incrementa la cobertura en educacion, aunque esta continua siendo baja. Durante esta etapa las mujeres lograron el derecho al voto y el derecho a ser elegidas. La tercera, entre 1966 y 1985, se destaca por la transicion demografica, por una mayor educacion de las mujeres y por un aumento en su participacion laboral. En la cuarta etapa, desde 1985 hasta el presente, hay un aumento importante en la matricula de las mujeres en educacion superior, superando la de los hombres; las tasas de mortalidad y fertilidad continuaron reduciendose, la participacion laboral de las mujeres siguio creciendo, aunque desde comienzos del siglo XXI se estanco, y las brechas salariales entre hombres y mujeres aun persisten. En esta etapa, se observa una mayor presencia de las mujeres en la politica; sin embargo, todavia siguen siendo una minoria en ese ambito. A pesar de los avances logrados por las mujeres a lo largo del periodo analizado, subsisten desigualdades importantes de genero, especialmente en materia laboral y de participacion politica.