Colombia has experienced an increase in urbanization and this has played a significant role in the gender roles that exist. The section on “The Relative Status of Women and Men” gives information on the gender roles widely accepted in Colombian culture. The article mentions that “as a result of a colonial influence, Colombian society adopted a culture in which men occupy a dominant role within the community” (2014). This can be described as machismo which “applies to the public personification of the male family head. Machismo requires separate male and female roles in economic life and consumption, the reliance of women on men, and distinct sets of life goals for men and women” (2014). Colombian culture is centered on male dominance and has this has predetermined the goals of women. The article explains that “machismo defines a woman’s role as a mother… [and] the traditional male-female relationship assumes that the woman puts her husband’s wishes before her own” (2014). This view of women is very limited I find it hard to think that woman are expected to only please their husband and have kids. Marriage is something that is also heavily influenced by gender roles and also on the ethnic group to which a person belongs. The CIA world factbook gives the ethnic groups that compose Colombia and these include mestizo, white, mulatto, black, mixed black-Amerindian and Amerindian. With this knowledge in mind the article articulates that “members of the lower and middle classes strive to marry someone outside of their class; mestizos, mulattoes, and blacks prefer to marry into white families” (2014). Marriage is heavily influenced by ethnic group because people want to elevate their status. Most Colombians are “married in the Catholic Church… people use this religious rite to create powerful family unions” (2014). After a marriage Colombians are prompted to start a family which should consist of “a father, mother, and their children… the father is the head of the household, while the mother is responsible for child rearing, homemaking, and the basic education of the children” (2014). This idea of family and the roles of women and men are very prevalent. I think that this traditional family originates from Catholicism which heavily influences the roles of men and women. Catholicism encourages women to get married and have kids. Women are expected to take care of the children while the husband goes out and makes money. I think this type of family still exists but here in the United States it is becoming less prevalent because women choose to have a career over a family and they marry when they are older. It is interesting to compare these two countries because the gender roles within a family can be very distinct.
In the article titled, “Colombia’s Gender Problem”, the inequality that exists is evident. The article details the very disturbing attitude that Andres Jaramillio a prominent restaurateur displays in regards to women. He stated “let’s study what happens with a 20 year-old girl that arrives with her girlfriends… She arrives dressed with a coat and a miniskirt… And then, in order to absolve her sins she tells her father she’s been raped” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). This statement is completely appalling and after reading the rest of the article I find out that it is “emblematic of Colombia’s gender gap… [and the] disturbing tale of violence against women, violations of women’s rights, and entrenched gender inequality” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). The information this article contains is paralyzing it is so unjust that women face such terrible inequality. The statistics this article presents are alarming it states that “37 percent of married women have been physically abused by their husbands. Ten percent of those women report having been raped” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). The even more alarming thing that the article mentions is that “violence against women in Colombia is not only common it often goes unpunished” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). Women often do not look for legal help because “impunity for reported cases of violence against women is at 86 percent” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). This data is very alarming and the reason it is difficult to address is because of the “male dominated political system and society. With only 12 percent of seats in national parliament [are] held by women” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). The inequality has proliferated into the citizens and “one in ten citizens agrees that “an adequate education for girls is one that develops their roles as mothers and wives”, and job openings are openly discriminatory” (Lizcano & Orstavik, 2013). I have been raised with values that completely contradict the situation in Colombia. I believe that I am just as qualified as a male and I am not just going to have babies. I think that Colombia is going to go through a transition and women will achieve their goals towards equality it just takes time. I also think that the male dominance that is exhibited in Colombia is a part of the culture. This needs to be addressed because men are going to keep teaching their children that women are not worthy and the cycle will continue. This is going to keep happening if nothing is done and politicians need to address this important matter.
The article titled, “Educational Communication Strategy Within The Integral Programme Against Gender-Based Violence”, illustrates that steps are being taken in order to alleviate gender inequality. The Programme implemented “an Educational Communication Strategy… aimed at reducing the Colombian population’s social and institutional tolerance to violence against women… combating gender-based violence demands a transformation of the cultural and social beliefs that lie at the heart of the problem” (UN, 2013). In Colombia it is clear that ““social and cultural beliefs [are] deeply rooted in… generating rigid gender roles and patterns of sexist, patriarchal and discriminatory behaviors, [which] facilitate, allow, excuse or legitimize violence against women.”” (UN, 2013). The Programme’s main objectives includes to “educate, inform and mobilize audiences… to build and adopt new patterns of masculinity and femininity…, challenge stereotypical patterns of masculinity and femininity [and to] educate and mobilize institutional and social actors” (UN, 2013). The Programme worked closely with government agencies, and the media. The Progamme created commercials and other propaganda in order to spread the word that domestic violence should not be tolerated. I think that it is very good that action has been taken in order to address this concern. It will take a very long time to adjust the way that people think about gender but with time everyone will gain an understanding about gender equality.
References
CIA. South America:: Colombia. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/co.html
Lizcano, A. & Orstavik, S. (2013, November 25) Colombia’s Gender Problem. Retrieved from http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2013/11/25/colombias-gender-problem
United Nations. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.unwomen.org/mdgf/A/Colombia_A.html
(2014) Colombia. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Colombia.html