Costa Rican women earn 27% less than their male counterparts for the same job

November 7^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) According to a study by the National University (UNA), based on data from the latest National Household Survey (2012), Costa Rican women earn some 27% less in the private sector than their male counterparts for the same job, regardless of their education or profession.

The government, however, seems to be doing a better job in narrowing the wage gap for public employees, where woman earn an average 7% less than men.

The report also reveals a higher level of unemployment amongst women.

“There are many pretexts for not hiring women.  Employers ask personal questions, like if a woman has had her tubes tied to not have children,” said Roxana Morales, one of the researchers in the study.

And, while the number of university-educated women outnumbers that of men, female unemployment is reported at 10%, while that of men is just 6%.