This article is written by Carlos Eduardo Santos Saint Romain, former Policy Advisor for the Ministry of Health, now a journalist specialising in social issues.

● **The problem: **Significant gender inequality persists in Ecuador's labour market.

● Why it matters: Gender inequity limits the country's social and economic development and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

● The solution: Promote a cultural and political shift that recognises and addresses gender inequalities in the workplace.

Ecuador has made strides in reducing the wage gap between men and women and increasing women's access to high-ranking positions. However, significant inequalities still exist in the country's labour market.

It's essential to involve men in the fight for gender equity. Simple changes in the distribution of domestic responsibilities can make a significant difference.

To understand the scope of the problem, it's crucial to grasp the meaning of ‘gender’. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gender refers to the social roles and attributes assigned to men and women, which can lead to inequalities affecting health and access to job opportunities. Despite Ecuador's constitution guaranteeing equal labour rights and gender-balanced participation, the reality tells a different story.

The value in unpaid work

One positive aspect is that between 2008 and 2014, the gender wage gap decreased from 83% to 73%, indicating progress in women's pay. However, salary is not the only indicator of labour equity. Ecuadorian women perform an average of 32 hours of unpaid work per week, compared to men's nine hours, according to 2014 data from the Ecuadorian Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC).

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This disproportionate burden of unpaid work has negative consequences, such as increased dissatisfaction and internal and social conflicts. It also perpetuates macho stereotypes that devalue women's work.

Gender inequality is also reflected in extreme cases of violence and harassment against women. Ecuador has alarming rates of sexual harassment in public transportation and high levels of physical, psychological and sexual violence against women. According to INEC's 2011 survey, 38% of women have been victims of physical violence, 53.9% of psychological violence, 25.7% of sexual violence and 16.7% of patrimonial violence.

These issues not only affect women's safety and well-being but also limit their freedom of movement, access to education and professional development.

Involve men and think beyond policies

It's essential to involve men in the fight for gender equity. Simple changes in the distribution of domestic responsibilities can make a significant difference.

Men's collaboration in unpaid tasks not only supports their partners but also sets a positive example for their children.

While affirmative action policies are important, they are not enough on their own. We need to change society's perception of women's roles and promote a culture that values gender equity. Only then can we move towards a more just and equal Ecuador for all!

Done reading? Make sure to share your own thoughts about how men can help in the fight for gender equity by leaving a comment below⬇️

(Image credit: Unsplash)