Unit 5 - Colombia - Women Empowerment

Question 1

Where is Colombia?

Answer 1

• Latin America

Question 2

Why is Colombia a good example for women empowerment?

Answer 2

• long armed conflict in progress

Question 3

What began in 2006 in Colombia?

Answer 3

• the Women’s Caucus in Congress began in 2006 to enable congress women to transcend party differences and work together on activities and legislation of common interest

Question 4

What does Law 1257 state in Colombia?

Answer 4

• Law 1257 - increased sanctions and sentencing for violence and discrimination against women

Question 5

How many women were parliamentarians in 2014 in Colombia and what was the increase in this from 1997?

Answer 5

• 2014: 19.9% of parliamentarians were women - +8.2% since 1997

Question 6

How many women were in the senate in 2014 in Colombia and what was the increase in this from 1997?

Answer 6

• 22% in the senate are women - +15.1% since 1997

Question 7

How many women were in the cabinet in 2011 in Colombia and what was the increase in this from 1998?

Answer 7

• 2011: 32% of cabinet were women - +20% since 1998

Question 8

How many women were in labour in 2012 in Colombia and what was the increase in this from 1990?

Answer 8

• 2012: 42.7% of labour are women: →- +12.8% since 1990

Question 9

What were the factors driving change in women empowerment in Colombia?

Answer 9

• important changes in Colombia’s political and institutional make-up since 1990s permitted progress in women’s rights
• more competitive and open political system and new Constitutional Court with extensive judicial review powers
• better capacity for strategic political mobilisation and coalition building
• progress in social and economic indicators of gender equality contribute to building capabilities that enhance the capacity for agency and empowerment
• sustained improvements in gender equality related to education, economic and health indicators

Question 10

What has the progress of women empowerment in Colombia been?

Answer 10

• Legal Achievements -
• constitutional reform, legislation and policy measures since 1990 opened up organisational and institutional space for women’s access to formal political system and to decision-making roles
• significant progress in legislation and policies that address violence against women
• Colombia now has more women in public administration
• women must occupy at least 30% of positions in the executive, legislative, judicial branches and at all levels of government
• more organised women’s presence in political life

Question 11

What are the problems/challenges of women empowerment in Colombia?

Answer 11

• challenges facing Colombian women in relation to gender inequality and discrimination are the armed conflicts
• the rule of law remains weak - people don´t listen to laws

Question 12

How has the progress of women empowerment in Colombia been uneven?

Answer 12

• well educated and urban women benefited

- rural and illiterate women lack these benefits