CEG-INTEC warns that the Dominican Republic is still far from achieving gender equality

SANTO DOMINGO. — Thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action (30), the Dominican Republic has made some progress in gender equality, but structural challenges remain overwhelming. According to a report by the Center for Gender Studies of the Dominican Republic, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (CEG-INTEC), presented in the framework of International Women's Day, the country faces serious problems in key areas such as gender violence, poverty, political participation and access to health and education.

The report, titled “Advances and Challenges of the Dominican Republic in the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action”, recognizes the creation of institutions such as the Ministry of Women and the approval of laws against gender violence. However, it highlights that these measures have been insufficient to address the deep inequalities that affect women, especially those in vulnerable situations, such as rural women, migrants and girls.

The document was presented by Desiree del Rosario, coordinator of the CEG, and Dalul Ordehi, dean of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities at INTEC, during a press conference held at the Social Security Auditorium of that university.

Gender violence: an unresolved crisis

Gender-based violence remains one of the biggest concerns. In 2023 alone, 137 violent deaths of women were recorded, mostly femicides, evidencing impunity and a lack of resources to protect victims. Between 2019 and 2023, at least 730 women died in conditions of violence, placing the Dominican Republic with the fifth highest rate of femicides in Latin America and the Caribbean (2.4 per 100,000 women). Despite existing laws, the lack of implementation and resources has left thousands of women without real protection.

Sexual and reproductive health: a right denied

The country maintains one of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in the region, with 77 births per 1,000 adolescents between 15 and 19 years old. In addition, the maternal mortality rate increased to 129 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, an alarming indicator that reflects the lack of access to quality health services. The total ban on abortion, even in cases of rape, incest or risk to the mother's life, has led to an increase in clandestine and unsafe abortions, estimated at 25,000 annually, according to the Ministry of Public Health and UNFPA.

Poverty and economic inequality: women bear the brunt

The document points out that Dominican women continue to be the most affected by poverty, with a rate of 20.1% in households headed by women, compared to 17.8% in households headed by men. In addition, the gender wage gap remains at 18%, and almost half of women (49.4%) work in informal jobs without access to social security, such as street vending, domestic work or subsistence farming.

Political participation: insufficient progress

Although the gender quota has boosted female representation in the Chamber of Deputies (36.8%), participation in the Senate (12.5%) and mayoralties (10%) remains extremely low. This reflects the persistence of cultural and structural barriers that limit women's political leadership.

Education: an outstanding debt

The report notes that although gender parity has been achieved in primary and secondary school enrolment, school dropout continues to affect girls more, especially in rural areas and among pregnant adolescents. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and exclusion.

Urgent recommendations

The CEG-INTEC report proposes key measures to accelerate progress on gender equality, including:

• Increase the budget for gender policies and strengthen inter-institutional coordination.

• Reform laws to guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health, including decriminalizing abortion in cases of rape, incest or risk to the mother's life.

• Reduce poverty and economic inequality through greater access to credit, formal employment and social security.

• Eradicate gender violence with more shelters and access to justice for victims.

• Promote gender equality education to change stereotypes and encourage equal representation of women.

A call to action

The report concludes with an urgent call to action: “Gender equality is not only a fundamental right, but an indispensable condition for the country’s sustainable development. However, progress has been slow and fragmented. A coordinated and determined effort between the government, civil society, the private sector and academia is needed to close the gaps that still persist and ensure that no woman is left behind.”