Gender equity and protection of women: an analysis in the Département of Atlantico, Colombia (2009-2012)

Abstract

This article analyzes public policies on gender equity aimed at protecting women in the Department of Atlántico during the 2009–2012 period. The research is grounded in a humanistic-interpretive epistemological approach, employing ethnographic, hermeneutic, and feminist methods. Information was gathered based on the experiences of four women directly involved in these processes, using techniques specific to this perspective. The results show that during this period, legal and institutional foundations were established for the design and implementation of policies to protect women, grounded in gender and human rights approaches, in line with national and international regulatory frameworks. Notable developments include the enactment of Ordinance 00131 of 2011, as well as the creation of the Secretariat for Women, Equity, and Gender and the implementation of the “Transfórmate tú mujer” program in all 22 municipalities. It is concluded that these actions promoted economic autonomy, political participation, access to social services, and the prevention of gender-based violence, contributing to women’s empowerment in the region. However, structural limitations persist that continue to hinder the full development of these policies in Colombia.