Impact evaluation of a gender-focused training program to increase women’s labor force participation in Belize

At MIDE Development, we conducted the impact evaluation of a pilot program in Belize designed to increase women’s participation in the labor force through gender-sensitive employability training.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), sought to overcome structural and psychosocial barriers that limit women’s access to and retention in the labor market.

Our findings show that incorporating targeted support measures for women—such as childcare subsidies, transportation assistance, and self-esteem workshops—enhances the effectiveness of traditional technical training, generating a significant increase in labor force participation.

Objective
The study aimed to rigorously measure the impact of gender-sensitive employability training on women’s labor force participation, income, empowerment, and subjective well-being, while identifying the mechanisms that facilitate women’s entry and retention in the labor market.

Methodology
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was implemented with a sample of 1,400 women, distributed into three groups:

• Gender-sensitive training: BTEC core curriculum plus childcare subsidies, transportation support, and self-esteem workshops.

• Standard training: BTEC core curriculum only.

• Control group: No intervention during the study period.

Baseline information was collected, and a follow-up survey was conducted six months after program completion.

Key findings

• Labor force participation: Increase of 12 percentage points (pp) in the gender-sensitive group compared to the control, and 7 pp in the standard group, reflecting an additional 5 pp effect attributable to gender-focused measures.

• Employment and income: Higher employment rates and income levels in the gender-sensitive group, although income differences were not statistically significant.

• Training completion: 94% in the gender-sensitive group vs. 88% in the standard group, confirming that removing logistical barriers improves retention.

• Empowerment and well-being: Significant increases in self-esteem, life satisfaction, and perceived ability to contribute to the household. No significant effects on mental health or decision-making power within the household.

Lessons and recommendations

• Removing structural barriers such as childcare and transportation access improves participation and completion.

• Integrating psychosocial support strengthens participants’ confidence and motivation.

• Scaling is feasible at reasonable cost—additional expenses were moderate relative to the benefits observed.

• Strengthening local partnerships ensures trust and cultural relevance.

This pilot demonstrates that gender-sensitive training is an effective strategy to increase women’s labor force participation in contexts with persistent gender gaps. At MIDE Development, we believe that combining technical training with targeted support is key to achieving sustainable change, and that the model implemented in Belize can be adapted and replicated in other Caribbean and Latin American countries.