Latin America is leading the way in improving gender equality in the workplace, according to a new report from U.N. Women. “It’s interesting to note that of all of the world’s regions, Latin America has in fact shown the greatest progress,” Luiza Carvalho, U.N. Women’s regional director for the Americas and the Caribbean, told IPS in an interview this week.

The report “Progress of the World’s Women 2015-2016, Transforming Economies, Realizing Rights,” released in late April, shines a light on the steps being taken by the region toward a stronger position for women in the workforce.

One of the standout achievements for Latin America and the Caribbean is the pay gap; women earning 19 percent less than men. While this is far from ideal, and still a major injustice for women, when compared to the global pay-discrepancy average of 24 percent, the figure is promising.

“There can be no gender equality without justice, inclusion, growth and social development.” Furthermore, Latin America experienced the biggest growth in women's participation in the workforce compared to all regions around the globe, climbing from 40 to 54 percent between 1990 and 2013, but still below the participation of men, at 80 percent.

Telesur