Increase and Improvement of Women's Participation in Justice and Security in Guatemala

Description

The paper examines the evolution of women's roles in these sectors. Initially, women were relegated to secondary roles; however, thanks to feminist movements and legal reforms, they have achieved greater participation in areas traditionally dominated by men, such as the National Civil Police (PNC), the Army, and the judicial system. Despite these advances, structural and cultural barriers, such as discrimination and gender-based violence, continue to hinder their access to leadership positions. The paper highlights the importance of public policies that promote gender equality and the need to implement effective mechanisms to ensure their proper application. Significant achievements are mentioned, such as the increase in female representation in the judicial system, which rose from 9.6% in 1991 to 42% in 2016, although leadership positions are still mostly held by men. In the case of the PNC, women represent only 8.52% of the personnel, reflecting the limited inclusion of women in security areas. To address these challenges, the article proposes the implementation of policies that promote equal opportunities, including equality training and the creation of safe, harassment-free work environments. It also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and professional training to ensure that women can access leadership roles. The article concludes that, although significant progress has been made, greater commitment is still needed to consolidate the equitable participation of women in the justice and security sectors in Guatemala.

Institutions

• Universidad Panamericana Facultad de Derecho

  CDMX, Mexico City
• Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala

  Guatemala, Guatemala

Categories

Licence