Género, desarrollo y feminismo en América Latina

Abstract

This essay offers a bird�s eye view on selected elements that factor into the status of women in Latin America. Despite indubitable advances, significant impediments exist, which are intensified in multi-cultural contexts like those that characterize the majority of the region�s countries. One particular problem that amasses pain and injustice is forced motherhood. Restrictive legislation regarding the termination of unwanted pregnancies favours the demographic dynamic of poverty, which impedes many Latin American women from crossing the threshold of exclusion. The influence of the Catholic Church hierarchy over politicians is exceptional and even democratic or left-leaning governments hide their heads in the sand, like ostriches, on the issue of abortion. This essay brings together strategies implemented by feminists in diverse environments, which has allowed for regional articulation in the struggle for freedom