Violencia de género y su incidencia en los niveles de vida de las mujeres en la urbanización “La Primavera”, cantón Arenillas, 2024

Abstract

The violence that women suffer due to their gender constitutes a serious social issue that deeply affects their quality of life physically, psychologically, emotionally, and economically. This phenomenon manifests in various forms, notably physical, psychological, sexual, economic (patrimonial), and symbolic violence, and it originates from deeply rooted cultural structures that perpetuate unequal power relations between men and women. In the “La Primavera” neighborhood, located in the city of Arenillas, this issue is not absent; on the contrary, various pieces of evidence indicate a concerning prevalence of violent behaviors affecting women of different ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and family contexts. This research was conducted with a social and participatory approach, aiming to analyze the impact of gender-based violence on the quality of life of women living in this residential area, considering its effects on individual, family, and community well-being. The methodology included the use of observation, surveys, and interviews with women of different age groups, which allowed for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data on their personal experiences and perceptions related to the subject of study. The factors identified as contributing to the issue included machismo, economic dependency, the normalization of violence within intimate relationships, the lack of education in gender equality, and limited or inadequate institutional intervention. Many women reported experiencing verbal, psychological, and physical abuse from their partners or close family members, stating that such experiences have negatively affected their self-esteem, mental health, and capacity for personal and professional development. The results show that many women victims do not report these acts of violence due to fear, shame, or a lack of knowledge about their rights and the support resources available. This silence contributes to the invisibilization and perpetuation of the problem. It was also found that women living in conflictive environments experience high levels of anxiety, stress, social isolation, and deterioration in both physical and mental health, clearly demonstrating a negative impact on their quality of life. In response to this reality, a plan titled “Speaking is Power! Training and Community Action to Mitigate Gender-Based Violence in the La Primavera Neighborhood” was developed. Its objective is to strengthen community cohesion through the creation of informational resources, the implementation of training workshops, and participatory awareness-raising activities that promote knowledge, reflection, and collective action to reduce cases of gender-based violence. In summary, violence against women due to their gender remains a persistent reality that limits their opportunities and affects their quality of life in La Primavera. To eradicate this problem, it is essential to promote collective, sustained, and gender-focused actions that transform the social structures that allow such violence to exist and that strengthen women's autonomy at all levels.