Essay On Empowerment For Women In Latin America

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Recommended: Latin american women gender roles

Topic: Equality and empowerment for women in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Introduction:
Research Question: Latin America has a history of having a very patriarchal society. Over time, the area has felt some changes in respect towards women, but deep cultural values still remain in place for many. How has modernization and development effected equality and empowerment of Latin American women?
Thesis: There have been some strong advances for women in Latin America in the last two decades. More women have access to education and have opportunities to participate in politics. However, some deep-set cultural values still remain which limit still limit equality and empowerment for women in Latin America. Women are the key to development and are, in many cases sources of untapped economic potential. Eliminating gendered inequality in the region can help increase development and reduce poverty in the region.

INTRODUCE AREAS THAT HAVE SHOWN GROWTH TOWARDS EQUALITY

Political Participation
Transition/introduction- why is it important that women participate in politics
It is important for the region to increase the political participation and access of women. Increasing political participation in democratic countries will increase and strengthen the legitimacy of the government. (Desposato et al., pg. 160) There are many factors that contribute to the unequal participation in politics seen throughout the region. Studies have shown that more educated people are more likely to participate in politics. With this in mind, increasing access to education for girls in the region should lead to an increase in political participation. However, in the last decade, much has been done to increase girl’s access to education. (Desposato...

... middle of paper ...

...ics.” (Chant, 2003, pg. 10) Eva Peron, former leader of Argentina is a good example of marianismo values and political advancement. The values she endorsed, such as strong loyalty to the country and her husband as well as being the “mother of the nation” gave her political clout and power. (Chant, 2003, pg. 11)
“Violence Against Women: A Disaster Men Can Avoid”

How do you defeat traditional values/unlearn machismo?
Women as economic/development potential
Empowerment of women
“increased gender equality in Latin America and the world can, among other things: improve development outcomes for the next generation.” (Munoz, 2011)
Microfinance/microloans

Conclusion: there is still a long way to go for women in Latin America. Many positive changes bring hope to the possibility of establishing greater equality in the region. Education, politics; violence and poverty

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