Ecuador Gender Review: Issues and Recommendations (Country Studies)

Although Ecuador has made considerable strides in addressing gender issues over the years, gender continues to be an important development issue. While access to family planning methods has increased in general, the availability of contraceptives remains limited for the poor. As more women enter the labor force, wage gaps based on gender persist. Ecuador's strong civil society movement puts gender on the public agenda, but land distribution by the government continues to be biased toward men. This report brings to light the most salient gender issues affecting Ecuador's social and economic development today. Its purpose is to reduce gender inequalities in Ecuadoran society and to improve the effectiveness of Ecuador's social and economic development programs. Gender in this report pertains to both men and women and refers to the different experiences, preferences, needs, opportunities and constraints men and women face because of socially ascribed gender roles and expectations. The report contains an overview of gender issues and trends with special attention to the rural sector where almost half the population lives. The authors recommend an overall strategy and priority actions to improve conditions. This report will be of interest to government officials, nongovernmental organizations, academics, and civil society.