World March 8, 2024 | 4:24 pm

UN urges DR to boost women’s involvement in positions of power

Santo Domingo.- The United Nations has called upon the Dominican Republic to implement measures fostering the active participation of women in political arenas and positions of authority while safeguarding their rights. The UN, in a statement marking International Women’s Day, advises the state and political entities to adopt policies breaking down existing barriers, suggesting modifications to electoral regulations and political party laws to promote gender parity.

Highlighting the recent municipal elections, the UN notes a 2% decrease in women mayors, constituting 10% of the total, despite an 11% increase in councilor and member positions (41%). The Dominican Republic scores 49.4 out of 100 on the Political Parity Index (PPI) for women’s political rights, indicating significant progress is needed.

The UN emphasizes the necessity of cultural and socioeconomic transformations that recognize and value women’s influence in society to mitigate the impact of gender inequality. Mauricio Ramírez Villegas, the United Nations resident coordinator in the country, underscores the crucial role of women’s increased participation in decision-making to accelerate societal transformations towards gender equality.

Addressing gender violence as a structural issue, the Dominican Republic faces one of the highest femicide rates in the region (2.4 per 100,000 women). Additionally, early pregnancies and motherhood associated with economic and educational poverty remain concerns. The country restricts sexual and reproductive rights, not decriminalizing the three causes for pregnancy termination (rape or incest, vital risk for the mother, and fatal fetal malformations).

Moreover, women, particularly in rural areas, experience higher poverty and food insecurity rates (54% in rural areas compared to 46% in urban areas). Gender disparities persist in the labor market, with lower employment rates (48% compared to 60.4% nationally) and unequal remuneration. Women also bear the majority of domestic and care responsibilities.

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