Gender equality and diversity in Latin America

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#MujeresAtTheTable

In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, follow our #MujeresAtTheTable month-long campaign, highlighting women’s leadership and efforts toward gender equality, while also promoting constructive dialogue for some of the most pressing challenges women face daily in the Americas.

Protecting the world’s trans population requires political representation

The 110th International Women’s Day, celebrated this year, hailed the achievements of women. It encouraged people to raise awareness about gender-based issues and call for further action toward gender parity in a post-COVID-19 world. There is one group of women, however, that has been left behind in these conversations: trans women.

The pandemic is a chance to reshape women’s roles in Latin America and the Caribbean

The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic has had unequal consequences across Latin America and the Caribbean, with women disproportionately affected. But the pandemic is an opportunity for the region to reshape women’s roles in the economy, politics, and society.

How the Maduro regime’s intensifying crackdown is harming women

Including women and women’s civil-society groups in peacebuilding efforts is essential to strengthening and advancing a more inclusive and diverse—and, ultimately, successful—approach to rebuilding Venezuela’s democratic institutions.

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An imperative for women’s political leadership: Lessons from Brazil

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Latest Content

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2023

How states and cities can lead the US fight for a gender-sensitive security strategy

By Willow Fortunoff and Diana Paz García

Partnerships are a crucial part of advancing the United States’ women, peace, and security agenda. Mayors and governors are already forming these important partnerships.

Caribbean Conflict

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

What policymakers should know about improving gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Atlantic Council experts

Narrowing the gender gap is pivotal for charting a more prosperous future for the region. Five experts on the region provide their ideas for doing so.

Americas Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Mar 31, 2021

How the Maduro regime’s intensifying crackdown is harming women

By Cristina Guevara

International Norms Latin America

New Atlanticist

Mar 31, 2021

The pandemic is a chance to reshape women’s roles in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Eva Lardizábal

Coronavirus Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Mar 23, 2021

Protecting the world’s trans population requires political representation

By Joseph Rojas, Jr.

There is one group of women that has been left behind in conversations about gender-based issues: trans women. Global leaders must change the narrative to advance a trans-inclusive agenda

Human Rights Latin America

Only with gender equality can we unleash the full potential of the Americas.”
Jason Marczak, Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Atlantic Council

Experts of the Americas Episodes

A conversation with Paula Tavares, Senior Legal and Gender Specialist at the World Bank, and with Fernanda Martins, Director of Internet Lab, on gender equality and female representation in politics.

Watch our episode with Ambassador Martha Bárcena, former Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, on women in diplomacy.

In episode 7, Ambassador Martha Bárcena, former Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, sits down for a virtual conversation with Ambassador Capricia Marshall, ambassador-in-residence and vice chair of the Latin America Center’s Advisory Council. They discuss women’s leadership, work-life balance, and the importance of women at the negotiation and decision-making table for strengthening the global order.

Empowering Women Leaders

Modest, yet visible progress is seen in women’s participation in boards of top companies and inclusion in the policymaking process at the highest echelons of government. That progress must be sustained and expanded.

Women’s Leadership in Latin America

Ground-breaking analysis and concrete recommendations for the public and private sectors – as well as the international community – to empower women across sectors in the region and beyond.

We women must continue encouraging collective action; that will be the key to speed up the progress in achieving a more just and equitable world for women and girls.”
Laura Chinchilla, former president of Costa Rica; member, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Advisory Council

#RedDeApoyo: Promoting Women’s Participation and Leadership in Venezuela’s Peacebuilding Efforts

Learn more about our work on venezuela

Corporations owe it to their shareholders to achieve gender parity on their boards.”
Mary Ann Walker, managing partner, WH Legal Group; member, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Advisory Council

Advancing Women’s Socioeconomic Development

Equipping women and girls with the skills, resources, and opportunities for socioeconomic prosperity is essential for economic growth in Latin America.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Apr 16, 2020

Mind the gap: Reducing gender gaps will foster long-term economic prosperity in Colombia

By Camila Hernandez

Significant lags in women’s economic and political empowerment remain in countries like Colombia. Having closed educational attainment and health and survival gaps almost entirely, the country still faces important gender gaps in economic participation and opportunity (a gap of 26.5 percent) and in political empowerment (a gap of 68.2 percent). If Colombia doubles-down on its efforts to close these gaps, numerous economic and social benefits will follow.

Colombia Economy & Business

Aún cuando estoy orgullosa de los avances de la mujer en mi región del mundo, no podemos simplement celebrar ese progreso, sino debemos ver hacia el horizonte y ver cuanto más debemos esforzarnos para cimentar nuestra complementariedad y lograr equidad total.”
María Eugenia Brizuela de Avila, former minister of foreign affairs, El Salvador; nonresident senior fellow, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Atlantic Council

Our Latest Events

Public Event Wed, March 8, 2023 • 10:00 am ET

Open for business? Investing in Northern Central America (Revision)

A conversation on developing a healthy investment climate in northern Central America to promote anti-corruption, inclusive economic opportunities, and long-term prosperity.

Americas Corruption Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Online Event Tue, March 21, 2023 • 4:00 pm ET

Elevating women, fortifying democracy: What can be the road ahead in Brazil?

A discussion on how to incorporate Brazilian women into leadership roles and how to support Brazilian women’s political activity in and beyond politics, with implications for the region and the world.

Americas Brazil Democratic Transitions Elections