Woman laws at Costa Rica
Costa Rica has made significant strides in advancing women's rights, though challenges remain in areas like reproductive health, workplace equality, and gender-based violence. Here's an overview of key legal developments and ongoing issues affecting women in the country:
🧑⚖️ Legal Rights & Gender Equality
1. Workplace Equality In 2022, Costa Rica passed the "Law for Freedom of Employment Choice for Women," eliminating restrictions in the Labor Code that previously barred women from certain jobs deemed "heavy or dangerous. This reform empowers women to pursue careers on equal terms with men, promoting greater economic autonomy
2. Name Order Reform In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that individuals could choose the order of their surnames on official documents, ending the mandatory paternal-first naming convention This decision reflects a shift toward gender equality and individual identity rights, aligning with modern societal norms
3. Political Representation Costa Rica boasts one of the highest levels of female political representation globally, with women holding approximately 34% of national parliamentary seats and 47% of municipal seats The country also elected its first female president, Laura Chinchilla, in 2010
⚖️ Reproductive Rights
1. Abortion Laws Abortion in Costa Rica is heavily restricted, permitted only when the woman's life or physical health is at risk Even in cases of rape, incest, or foetal abnormalities, abortion is generally illegal Despite legal provisions, the lack of clear protocols and healthcare provider reluctance often make access to legal abortions difficult
2. **In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)**In 2000, Costa Rica banned IVF, citing constitutional concerns over the "inviolability of life. However, in 2012, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights overturned the ban, stating it violated reproductive rights The ban was lifted, but IVF remains subject to strict regulations
📊 Socioeconomic Disparities
Women in Costa Rica face higher unemployment rates than men, with a 15.4% unemployment rate for women compared to 9.1% for men as of August 202. Additionally, wage disparity persists, with women earning, on average, 23.6% less than men for the same job.
🚺 Gender-Based Violence & Feminist Movement
Costa Rica has witnessed a growing feminist movement advocating for women's rights and against gender-based violence Notably, the country experienced its own #MeToo moment following allegations of sexual assault against former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias in 209 This led to widespread protests and calls for systemic change.
🌍 International Commitments
Costa Rica has committed to achieving gender equality by 2030, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Gol. Initiatives include collecting data on unpaid domestic work, promoting women's entrepreneurship, and implementing workplace gender equality certifications. While Costa Rica has made notable progress in women's rights, ongoing efforts are essential to address remaining challenges and ensure full gender equality
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