Only 22% of the women surveyed hold a supervisory position

This is according to the results of the study on the needs of working women, in which 13,283 people participated.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. December 6, 2023 - The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics and the Office of the Women's Attorney presented the results of the study on the Needs of Working Women, a collaboration that involved the participation of 13,283 people surveyed. This joint effort aimed at identifying the needs and challenges of working women, basing the conclusions on empirical evidence and thus providing a basis for identifying possible solutions to the different situations faced by working women in Puerto Rico.

Under the slogan “We are all working women”, the electronic questionnaire was aimed at working women in different sectors, including the public and private sectors, housewives, caregivers, businesswomen and those who work independently. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The topics addressed in the survey included the work situation, work environment, breastfeeding, motherhood, household structure and needs, quality of life, physical and emotional health.

From the results of the study, which is available by accessing https://estadisticas.pr/en/Necesidades-Mujer the following are highlighted:

Employment status:

• 95% of the women workers surveyed had one or more jobs.
• 38% worked in an agency or branch of government.
• 22% held supervisory positions.
• 44% indicated that they had not received guidance on the Affirmative Action Plan, followed by 36% who were not sure.

Breastfeeding:

• 47% indicated that their place of employment does not have a nursing room.
• 64% of the women who used the nursing room, provided by the employer, considered that the time offered was not adequate.

Maternity:

• 72% of the pregnant women surveyed indicated that the employer always provided them with flexibility to attend medical appointments and treat symptoms during pregnancy.

Structures and needs of the house and home:

• 47% of working women indicated that they were the legitimate owner and were still paying their mortgage on their homes.
• 57% had 1 to 2 sons or daughters.

Need for a caregiver:

• 1 in 3 (34%) expressed a need for a caregiver for their children, dependents or family members.

Quality of life, physical and emotional health:

• The majority indicated that they had a good level of emotional and physical health.
• 63% experience or have experienced a “double working day”.
• 51% indicated that painful menstruation disables them 1 to 2 days a month.

Gender-based violence:

• 34% reported having been a victim of workplace harassment.
• 24 percent reported having been a victim of domestic violence.
• 1 in 4 (24%) experienced gender discrimination.

Socio-demographic characteristics:

• Forty-six percent were 50 years of age or older.
• 73% had reached an academic level of baccalaureate and/or master's degree.
• 70% had a household income equal to or less than $41,500 per year.

“I am grateful to the thousands of women who participated in this important study. Its detailed input will allow us to take action and create initiatives aimed at companies and employers so that they can improve and reinforce the areas of greatest need. In our office, we continue to be in the best position to help women and ensure that their rights are fulfilled in the personal and work environment,” said the acting attorney, Madeline Bermudez.

“The data collected in this study are essential to help us understand the realities that women face in the workplace. Statistical objectivity is essential for the progress of our society, and these data are a valuable tool for evidence-based decision-making. This information could help to effectively understand the specific needs of working women, thus contributing to the construction of more equitable and just working environments,” said Dr. Orville M. Disdier Flores, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

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