Promoting business statistics with gender indicators

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at enhancing the quality of data collection and analysis of business statistics to improve the formulation of public policies that drive economic growth, industry, innovation, decent work, and the reduction of inequalities in the region, particularly in Guatemala and Uruguay.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative harnessed the knowledge of the Partnership entities to create a methodology for measuring business statistics with a gender-sensitive approach, and with a view to strengthening public policies to reduce inequalities.

Harnessing expertise in gender-sensitive business statistics

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative leveraged the knowledge and expertise of Partnership member entities from Europe and the Dominican Republic in the field of gender-sensitive business statistics.

With the support of:

• Foundation for the Analysis and Strategic Development of SMEs (FAEDPYME, Spain)
• National Statistics Office of the Dominican Republic (ONE)

The initiative aimed to:

1. Strengthen and consolidate the capacities of:
   • National Institute of Statistics of Uruguay (INE, Uruguay)
   • National Institute of Statistics of Guatemala (INE, Guatemala)
2. Develop a benchmark methodology that could serve as a reference for other actors in the region.

Development of a replicable methodology

The methodology for gender-sensitive business statistics was designed based on:

• The consideration of available business directories and economic surveys.
• A comprehensive assessment of the partner countries.
• A toolbox featuring a selection of best methodological practices to ensure greater replicability and usability for other statistical institutes in Latin America.

Creating a platform for regional knowledge exchange

The initiative also sought to establish a forum or platform to:

• Facilitate the exchange of experiences in the use of applied methodologies and techniques for business statistics.
• Connect business statistics to data requesters from:
  • The public sector.
  • The business community.
  • Civil society.
  • Academia in all participating countries.

By enhancing statistical capabilities, fostering data-driven policymaking, and promoting gender-sensitive analysis, this initiative contributes to inclusive and evidence-based economic development across Latin America.

Project activities

This initiative was structured around nine key activities, designed—based on an initial assessment—to create opportunities for reflection and training, ensuring the achievement of the initiative’s objectives. 

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: training staff from the statistics offices of Uruguay and Guatemala in gender-sensitive business statistics, equipping them with tools to enhance data collection and analysis.
• Model implementation: with contributions from all Partnership members, and led by FAEDPYME, a gender-sensitive methodology was developed. It included:
  • Country-specific assessments
  • A toolbox with best methodological practices for wider adoption across Latin America
• Research collaboration: production of an analytical report to maximise use of available data sources with a gender perspective in the beneficiary countries.
• Policy development: improving business statistics to inform public policies with a strategic gender-based approach, aimed at reducing inequalities.
• Community engagement: an international seminar created a space for dialogue among stakeholders from business, academic, and public sectors to:
  • Promote strategic use of statistics
  • Foster data-driven decision-making

By strengthening statistical capabilities, fostering policy innovation, and promoting inclusive data analysis, this initiative supports evidence-based decision-making and equitable economic development across Latin America.

Cross-cutting themes

Throughout the initiative, a cross-cutting approach was applied, integrating:

• Gender equality
• Environmental sustainability
• Climate change considerations

These themes were highlighted through experience-sharing, embedded in joint work sessions, and incorporated into the final methodology, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to business statistics in the region.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and collaborating organizations in the field of Business Statistics were leveraged to develop a final report, titled "Characterization of Entrepreneurship through Business Directories: Case Studies from Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay."

The results of this initiative have contributed to and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, by promoting higher levels of economic productivity through:

• Diversification
• Technological upgrading
• Innovation

By enhancing data-driven decision-making, improving statistical methodologies, and fostering entrepreneurship analysis, this initiative supports sustainable economic development and inclusive growth across Latin America.

Implementing partner

National Statistics Office of the Dominican Republic - ONE