Gender inequalities in wages and access to employment in Senegal: discrimination or productive capacity

Purpose Reducing disparities in access to the labor market and pay is a central pillar of development strategies and policies implemented globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Senegal, where significant gender gaps persist. This paper aims to analyze gender inequalities in employment access and compensation in Senegal, assessing whether these differences arise from discrimination or disparities in productive skills. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates inequalities in labor market access and pay between men and women using the Oaxaca-Ransom (1994) model. The analysis utilizes data from the Senegal National Employment Survey conducted in 2015, which includes a sample of 6,000 households across the country, focusing on individuals aged 15 to 60. Findings The results reveal a substantial wage gap of 13.7% between men and women. Notably, a significant portion of this pay gap (79%) is attributed to discrimination in favor of men. Additionally, the labor market participation gap stands at 45%, with more than half of this gap (58%) attributable to discrimination against women. Key factors contributing to these disparities include experience, marital status, vocational training and place of residence. Originality/value This study contributes to the discourse on gender inequality by underscoring the need to combat discriminatory practices, promote self-employment opportunities and align formal employment initiatives with individual aptitudes and socio-economic profiles. It advocates for the removal of structural barriers that predispose women and girls to low-quality jobs and suboptimal pay, emphasizing the importance of fostering gender equity in the labor market. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0211