Women in the State and Politics: a path towards equality still full of obstacles

Women in the State and Politics: A Path to Equality Still Filled with Obstacles In Peru, the presence of women in executive positions and local leadership roles in the State and politics remains limited, according to recent data revealing a notable gender disparity in decision-making levels. Despite advancements in some governmental spaces, the opportunity gap persists, reflecting an imbalance that requires a critical examination and concrete actions to achieve true gender equality. According to an analysis by ECData, only 28.39% of ministry directorates are led by women. In the public business sector, only 17.14% of public company presidencies are held by women. These figures demonstrate a clear lack of female representation in top-tier positions, hindering women's access to leadership roles and strategic decision-making. In the political sphere, the situation is no different. Following the 2022 subnational elections, only 2 female governors, 8 female provincial mayors, and 94 female district mayors hold elected positions. This scarce presence of women in high-level political positions reflects a persistent inequality in the realm of political representation, where men continue to occupy the vast majority of power spaces. While women in the Peruvian civil service have higher levels of education compared to men, the gender gap becomes evident in the distribution of key technical positions. According to the report by the National Civil Service Authority (Servir), only three out of ten individuals in leadership positions are women, and in regions like Cusco, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Moquegua, Madre De Dios, Tacna, and Amazonas, the gender disparity is even greater. Former Servir president, Janeyri Boyer, highlights that factors such as household caregiving responsibilities and household headship may limit women's aspirations to hold positions of greater responsibility. She also points out the lack of equitable remuneration policies as a factor contributing to the wage gap between men and women in the public sector. Despite legislative advancements, such as Law No. 31030 guaranteeing parity and alternation in candidate lists, the resistance of political organizations to promote female leadership remains a significant obstacle. Political scientist Belén Elías emphasizes the importance of a cultural shift within political parties to facilitate women's participation in politics and ensure equitable representation. While progress has been made in political representation and women's participation in the State, challenges persist. It is necessary to continue working on eliminating barriers and prejudices that limit women's access to spaces of power and decision-making, as well as implementing policies that promote gender equality at all levels of society. The fight for gender equality in the State and politics is a path that requires a firm commitment and concrete actions to achieve a fairer and more equitable society for all.