¿Es real la democracia paritaria en Ecuador? Mujeres y poder local (2008-2023)

Abstract

The article analyzes the extent to which reforms aimed at strengthening gender parity democracy in Ecuador between 2008 and 2023 have promoted women’s access to, participation in, and retention of mayoral offices. Using a mixed-methods approach combining the analysis of electoral records, legal frameworks, and interviews with women mayors and experts, the study explores the advances and limitations of women’s political participation at the subnational level. The findings show an increase in women’s representation from 6% in 2009 to 19% in 2023; however, territorial, economic and institutional barriers persist, including patriarchal practices that constrain substantive gender parity democracy. The study concludes that normative reforms are necessary but insufficient without structural transformations in the exercise of political power and the local level.