Women are often treated differently in many parts of the world. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a matter of concern. It is important to know how women are treated in Ecuador, and how the government is dealing with this. There are many different issues that women face, and this article discusses some of them.
Gender roles
The de jure and de facto gender roles for women in Ecuador are very different. In the past, women were relegated to the domestic sphere, with most families dependent on their husbands for financial support. However, in the recent years, the situation has improved.
Despite the great disparity between the de jure and de facto situations, the constitution of Ecuador in 2008 granted women equal rights to men in several areas. These include civil, political, economic, and social rights.
The 2008 constitution also included “la familia diversa”, which translates to “the family in its diverse forms”. It challenged colonial gender norms by providing legal protections to all genders.
Another important issue in this country is the sexual exploitation of women. Several experts noted that this phenomenon is very serious.
Gender inequality remains a major problem in this country, and one which needs to be addressed by the government. Although the National Council of Women has been active, it lacks real power to implement laws.
Indigenous women in Ecuador face a number of difficulties, and their access to opportunities is often limited. Their situation is particularly dire, because they are usually relegated to rural areas, where they face a 35 percent wage gap in comparison to their urban counterparts.
Nonetheless, the Ecuadorian government has shown a strong political will to improve the condition of women, and its efforts have been commended by the Committee. In addition, the country has demonstrated an institutional commitment to the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
In the 1980s, large amounts of money were spent on social programs designed to give women equal rights. This effort was the beginning of modernization in Ecuador. But these programs did not adequately place women on an equal footing with men. Instead, they merely promoted equality without addressing the underlying causes of the problem.
Although women’s rights have improved significantly over the past several years, they still have to make a big shift in order to achieve complete equality. The government must address the root causes of the problem, and this will be achieved only with stronger national mechanisms.
Violence against women
Sexual violence against women has become a serious social issue in Ecuador. It is a major problem that affects women and their families and is a social stigma. While the situation has improved over time, there is still room for improvement.
The legal system and other state institutions have made considerable progress on gender violence prevention and eradication over the past few years. However, there remains a need for more systematic and thorough investigation into femicides and violence against women.
Sexual abuse against women has increased over the past two decades in Ecuador. This has been attributed to the legal and cultural factors that contribute to gender-based violence. There is also a growing problem of sexual exploitation by migrant workers, which exposes women to rape and trafficking.
In addition to the sexual abuse against women, there are several types of violence against women that are statistically significant in Ecuador. They include sexual harassment, forced prostitution, rape within marriage, and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The first specialized law against violence against women was enacted in 1995. Since then, various legislation has been enacted to address the problem. An integrated governmental response has been developed through the “Ley Integral,” which includes provisions on VAW. A second report on VCM was published in 2006.
As of 2013, a new judicial system has been created. This judicial reform included the enactment of the “Ley Integral for the Prevention and Eradication of Gender Violence against Women.” Several new types of violencia against women have been imposed. These include a new category of violencia de genero, or femicide.
Although the enactment of the “Ley” was a step in the right direction, it was only one part of the overall solution to the violence against women in Ecuador. Other measures include protection orders, domestic violence shelters, and a 24-hour emergency hotline.
However, the lack of criminal prosecution of the perpetrators has been a major contributor to a feeling of defencelessness amongst women. Furthermore, a large population of women in mobility, mostly young women of reproductive age, arrive without papers.
Legal services for IPV victims
A recent study estimates the economic burden of IPV in Ecuador. The costs include medical care and lost productivity, along with legal and criminal justice costs. This first estimate of the economic impact of IPV is important to a public policy framework aimed at preventing this violence.
While the Ecuadorian government has made a commendable effort to create a legal framework to prevent IPV, it has not provided adequate legal services to victims. However, the situation seems to be changing for the better.
Although it is rare to find studies on partner violence in Latin America, a recent WHO review of violence against women in 12 Latin American countries provides a detailed analysis. Specifically, the WHO examined the prevalence of sexual and intimate partner violence. It also measured the extent to which the countries incorporated the Belem do Para Convention in their law.
One of the most common types of violence against women in Ecuador is intimate partner violence (IPV). This form of gender-based violence is characterized by a coercive relationship. In many cases, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse are perpetrated. Survivors are at higher risk for health problems such as mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as for risky behavior.
The lifetime economic cost of IPV is a staggering $3.6 trillion, including medical and criminal justice services. Women who experience IPV are disproportionately affected by poverty. According to the World Health Organization, more than one-third of all women in the world experience IPV at some point in their lives.
There are few published studies on the economic impacts of partner violence in Latin America, but this is an area that deserves attention. Studies in Brazil, Bolivia, Haiti, and Brazil suggest that low education levels are a key factor in the prevalence of violence against women. These studies recommended that the government should continuously monitor social factors to improve prevention.
Other countries that were studied were Colombia, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Peru. These studies reported lower rates of sexual IPV by any perpetrator. Moreover, the prevalence of sexual violence by any perpetrator was much lower in these nations than in the United States, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
Challenges for older members of the community
There are some important challenges for older members of the community in Ecuador. The first is to adapt to living conditions in the country. You may also experience verbal harassment on the streets. It is best to be circumspect.
Another challenge that may be experienced by Volunteers is adjusting to gender norms. Many Ecuadorians have different views on how men and women should behave. In this country, men are expected to be strong, while women are expected to care for children and rear livestock. This means that all Volunteers must learn how to deal with the behavior of their neighbors.
As an LGBTQ person, you will need to be careful about your interactions with the Ecuadorian public. While there are no specific laws preventing homosexuality, some Volunteers have been subject to negative attitudes. They have been targeted for their appearance, and they may not be welcomed by their neighbors. Some have been teased because they don’t drink or smoke.
You will be able to participate in a special working group on LGBTQ issues within the Peace Corps/Ecuador Program. It is important to understand the social and religious divides in the country. You will need to be circumspect to avoid being seen as aligning with a single side.
You will be required to attend pre-service training in which you will be oriented to life in Ecuador. During your training, you will also have the opportunity to take part in a cultural exchange program.
Older members of the community in Ecuador are respected. However, you may be exposed to misinformation and unfamiliarity with other cultures. Remember to maintain a positive attitude. If you feel like you are being teased, remember that the comments are most likely descriptive and not derogatory. Using your judgment is the best way to respond to them.
For your safety, the Peace Corps has a safe space training program called SpeQtrum. It provides trainings on how to create safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, the national government of Ecuador has a LGBTQ working group. These organizations will help you navigate the culture of Ecuador and avoid becoming a victim of bullying.