Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(2), 1-5, 2022
https://doi.org/10.62574/kv233x40
1
Unravelling the labyrinth of femicide in Ecuador and weaving a future of equality
Desentrañando el laberinto del femicidio en Ecuador y tejiendo un futuro de
igualdad
Sabina Lorena Gamboa-Vargas
sabinagamboa@uti.edu.ec
Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2591-4071
ABSTRACT
Femicide in Ecuador is a social emergency that transcends statistics, revealing deep roots in
gender inequality. This phenomenon cannot be tackled solely from a policing perspective; it
requires a systemic approach that challenges entrenched cultural norms. Humanising victims
highlights their pain and the need to change attitudes at the grassroots. Education emerges as a
transformative tool to dismantle stereotypes. The call to action demands not only condemnation,
but the implementation of effective policies and legal changes. Ecuador faces a monumental
challenge, but a commitment to gender equality is essential to build a future where women live
without fear and contribute fully to society.
Descriptors: gender-based violence; domestic violence; hate speech. (Source: UNESCO
Thesaurus).
RESUMEN
El femicidio en Ecuador es una urgencia social que trasciende las estadísticas, revelando
profundas raíces en la desigualdad de género. Este fenómeno no puede abordarse únicamente
desde una perspectiva policial; requiere un enfoque sistémico que desafíe las normas culturales
arraigadas. La humanización de las víctimas destaca su dolor y la necesidad de cambiar
actitudes desde la base. La educación emerge como una herramienta transformadora para
desmantelar estereotipos. El llamado a la acción no solo exige condena, sino la implementación
de políticas efectivas y cambios legales. Ecuador enfrenta un desafío monumental, pero el
compromiso con la equidad de género es esencial para construir un futuro donde las mujeres
vivan sin miedo y contribuyan plenamente a la sociedad.
Descriptores: violencia de género; violencia doméstica; discurso de odio. (Fuente: Tesauro
UNESCO).
Received: 25/10/2021. Revised: 10/11/2021. Approved: 12/01/2022. Published: 01/05/2022.
Letter to the editor
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(2), 1-5, 2022
Desentrañando el laberinto del femicidio en Ecuador y tejiendo un futuro de igualdad
Unravelling the labyrinth of femicide in Ecuador and weaving a future of equality
Sabina Lorena Gamboa-Vargas
2
The Maze of Femicide in Ecuador and Weaving a Future of Equality
Femicide in Ecuador is a dark shadow that looms over the reality of many women
in the country, an issue that cannot be ignored or relegated to the background.
Gender violence manifests itself brutally through these acts, which are the most
extreme result of a society that is still struggling to eradicate gender inequality
(Paredes, et al. 2020).
On the Ecuadorian social canvas, femicide paints a harrowing scene where
women's vulnerability is exacerbated by cultural, economic and social factors.
The chilling figures of femicide are like alarm bells ringing in the collective
conscience, reminding us that gender equality is far from being a palpable reality
(Ramirez, et al. 2020).
It is vital to recognise that femicide is not just a policing problem, but a reflection
of the deep roots of gender inequality. The fight against femicide cannot be limited
to enforcing stricter laws; it must address entrenched attitudes, harmful
stereotypes and structures that perpetuate discrimination (Castro-Aniyar, et al.
2020).
Ecuadorian women must not become cold and distant statistics; each femicide is
a human tragedy that leaves indelible scars on the families and communities
affected. It is a reminder that gender equality is not just a slogan, but an urgent
commitment that must permeate all aspects of society (Carrillo, 2018).
Hope lies in the ability of Ecuadorian society to unite against this senseless
violence. From education that challenges gender roles to the promotion of female
leaders in all spheres, it is time to stain the social canvas with colours of equality
and respect. Femicide should not define the narrative of Ecuador, but be a
catalyst for change, a wake-up call that inspires the construction of a future where
all women can live without fear and with dignity (Albarran, 2015).
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(2), 1-5, 2022
Desentrañando el laberinto del femicidio en Ecuador y tejiendo un futuro de igualdad
Unravelling the labyrinth of femicide in Ecuador and weaving a future of equality
Sabina Lorena Gamboa-Vargas
3
In the previous text, the issue of femicide in Ecuador is approached with a
perspective that highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need to
address the root causes of this gender-based violence (Abarca-Carrasco, et al.
2021). The analysis can focus on several key aspects:
Systemic approach: the text suggests that femicide is not simply a police problem,
but has deeper roots in society. An analysis could explore how cultural, economic
and social norms contribute to gender-based violence. For example, examining
how entrenched gender stereotypes can fuel attitudes that lead to violence.
Challenging gender inequality: The analysis could highlight the importance of
challenging not only the overt symptoms of femicide, but also the structures that
perpetuate gender inequality. This could involve discussing how to improve
gender education, promote equal opportunities and change entrenched
perceptions of women's role in society.
Humanising victims: The text strives to see women not as mere statistics, but as
human beings with stories and connections. An analysis can explore how
humanising victims can be an effective strategy for mobilising empathy and social
action. It could also discuss how society can support affected families and
advocate for meaningful change.
The role of education: The mention of education that challenges gender roles
highlights the importance of addressing the problem from an early age. An
analysis could delve deeper into how education can be a powerful tool to change
attitudes and behaviours that lead to gender-based violence.
Call to action: The text concludes with a call to action, urging society to unite
against gender-based violence. An analysis could explore how this call to action
can be translated into concrete policies, changes in legislation and a broader
social movement.
In short, the analysis could delve deeper into the interconnectedness of factors
contributing to femicide in Ecuador, highlight effective strategies to address the
problem, and reflect on how society can work collectively to build a more equal
and secure future for women.
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(2), 1-5, 2022
Desentrañando el laberinto del femicidio en Ecuador y tejiendo un futuro de igualdad
Unravelling the labyrinth of femicide in Ecuador and weaving a future of equality
Sabina Lorena Gamboa-Vargas
4
Closing reflections
The problem of femicide in Ecuador is an emergency call that demands a
comprehensive and profound approach. This phenomenon cannot be reduced to
mere numbers or isolated cases; it is a reflection of entrenched structures in
society that perpetuate gender inequality. The need for a cultural change is
evident, where gender-based violence is not simply condemned, but prevented
at its roots.
The humanisation of the victims is an essential element in this process, as they
are not just numbers, but individuals with truncated lives and communities that
suffer the consequences. Education emerges as a transformative tool, capable
of challenging gender stereotypes from an early age and shaping mindsets
towards equity.
The call to action at the end of the analysis is presented as a beacon of hope.
Ecuadorian society is at a crucial moment where uniting against gender-based
violence can be the catalyst for needed change. This call not only invokes
reflection, but also the implementation of concrete policies, the revision of existing
laws and the construction of a social fabric that promotes equality and eradicates
impunity.
The challenge is monumental, but the commitment to gender equality is not only
essential, but also imperative for the construction of an Ecuador where women
not only survive, but flourish without fear, contributing fully to a just and respectful
society. The eradication of femicide is not just a goal; it is a collective
responsibility that requires deep and sustained change at all levels of Ecuadorian
society.
FUNDING
Non-monetary
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(2), 1-5, 2022
Desentrañando el laberinto del femicidio en Ecuador y tejiendo un futuro de igualdad
Unravelling the labyrinth of femicide in Ecuador and weaving a future of equality
Sabina Lorena Gamboa-Vargas
5
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in the research.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To women's rights advocates.
REFERENCES
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Copyright: 2022 By the authors. This article is open access and distributed under the terms and conditions of
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