Econometric Analysis of Gender Presence and Performance of Women in the Workplace in Cameroon (Sub-Saharan Africa)

This study research paper investigates how gender discrimination affects corporate performance in Cameroon. Data from the Cameroon Enterprise Survey in 2016 by the World Bank Group and data collected from March 6 to 23rd, 2023, in Douala and Yaoundé, as well as 757 managers' responses, were utilized.  The analysis focused on three organizational levels: employees, management, and business ownership. This study used a mixed method of descriptive and econometric analysis. The results of this study revealed a positive and significant relationship between the presence of women in the workforce and performance. This result is attributed to the improvement in the performance of enterprises with appreciable participation of women in the workforce, management, and ownership levels, specifically in the tourism industry, arts and crafts, textiles, general merchandising, and distribution, which require less training and funding, which are the principal factors of discrimination against women and girls in Cameroon. Furthermore, the turnover of businesses owned and managed by women and those owned/operated by men shows successful growth compared to companiesof similar sizes.