OCCUPATIONAL SEGREGATION AND GENDER WAGE DIFFERENTIALS IN CAMEROON

Abstract

The labor market in Cameroon has faced significant challenges due to economic conditions and demographic factors, resulting in a restructuring of the labor force. This has led to deteriorating employment conditions, increased precarious work, and the growth of the informal sector. Women in Cameroon, in particular, face overrepresentation in low-wage jobs, especially in the informal agricultural sector. While there have been advancements in women's participation in the labor market, gender disparities persist, with women often occupying lower-paying positions. This paper examines the evolving role of women in the Cameroonian labor market, highlighting progress in terms of professional equality in top positions, yet acknowledging ongoing challenges such as the gender pay gap and rural gender inequalities. The study also emphasizes the economic invisibility of women's domestic and reproductive work, which, despite its critical role in maintaining households and communities, remains largely unrecognized. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing labor market inequalities and promoting gender equality in Cameroon.