Inauguration of Mothers' Lactation Room. Image Credit: Secretaría de Asuntos de la Mujer, Honduras.
Gender Equality Honduras

Weekly Highlights: The Secretary of Women’s Affairs in Honduras

Soledad Quartucci

Weekly Highlights: The Secretary of Women’s Affairs in Honduras

Honduran Women 

There are 5,053,752 women in Honduras, according to INE as of February 21, 2024. The first survey on Violence Against Women and Girls (ENESVMN) took place from November 8th to December 15th, 2022, in Honduras. It aimed to gather information about violence experienced by women and girls aged 15 and above, as reported by INE, Gobierno de Honduras.

Covering 7,200 households nationwide, the survey looked into violence against women and girls in both public and private settings, considering periods spanning their lifetime and the year leading up to the survey.

ENESVMN examined four types of violence: psychological, physical, sexual, and economic. It revealed various forms of violence, such as insults, threats, physical harm, and financial control, occurring once or repeatedly throughout their lives.

The main findings of the 2022 survey revealed the following:

Source: INE, Primera Encuesta Nacional

  • “Women face violent situations in different areas and throughout their entire lives.”
  • “1 in every 5 women aged 15 or older (an estimated more than 800 thousand women) have experienced violence in the twelve months prior to the survey.”
  • “1 in every 3 women has been a victim of multiple forms of violence throughout her life by her partner, including psychological, physical, sexual, patrimonial, and/or economic.”
  • “9 out of 10 women did not report or seek help in situations of violence. It was considered something unimportant.”
  • “Women face violent situations in different areas and throughout their entire lives.”
  • “1 in every 2 women aged 15 or older (an estimated 1.8 million women) have experienced violence at some point in their lives.”

 

Weekly Initiatives to Stop Violence Against Women

The Secretary of Women’s Affairs of Honduras works for the promotion, protection, and guarantee of women’s human rights in Honduras. Its motto is “Women’s equality must be a central component in any effort to address social, economic, and political issues.”

An intersectorial meeting was held on February 28 with the Interinstitutional Commission for Monitoring Investigations of Violent Deaths of Women and Femicides (Comisión Interinstitucional de Seguimiento a la Investigación de Muertes Violentas de Mujeres y Femicidios).

 

 

 

 

The meeting focused on coordinating precise and swift actions in search of alternative responses to the critical situation of violence that women and girls have historically suffered.

Present at the meeting were the Minister by law of Secretaría de Derechos Humanos Angélica Álvarez and of SEMUJER, Minister Doris García Paredes, representatives of women’s and feminist organizations, Public Ministry, Secretary of Security, DPI, CONADEH, the United Nations High Commissioner, and UN Women.

 

 

Inauguration of Mothers’ Lactation Room. Image Credit: Secretaría de Asuntos de la Mujer, Honduras.

 

 

Mothers’ Lactation Room

In a significant event February 27, Doris García Paredes, the Minister of Women, stood alongside Laura Suazo, the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Livestock, and the dedicated team from the State Secretariat to mark the historic inauguration of the institutional Mother’s Lactation Room.

This event symbolizes the ongoing commitment of the Ministry of Women to champion women’s rights in the workplace.

 

 

 

The establishment of a Mother’s Lactation Room represents more than just a physical space; “it embodies the fundamental right of every mother to breastfeed in a dignified and comfortable environment, supported by their workplaces and employers,” stated Semujer, Honduras.

 

 

“The significance of this inauguration cannot be overstated. It speaks directly to the essential freedom of women to make choices about their own bodies and lives. Creating conducive labor conditions to enable this right is imperative, and it necessitates a reimagining of workspaces through a gender lens,” Secretaria de Asuntos de la Mujer, Honduras.

 

 

“The inauguration of the lactation room is not merely a symbolic gesture but a concrete step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all,” declared Semujer, Honduras.

 

 

Inauguration of Two Gender Unites. Image Credit: Secretaría de Asuntos de la Mujer, Honduras.

 

 

Inauguration of Two Gender Units

The Secretary of Women in Honduras inaugurated two new Gender Units: The Institute of Property (IP) (El Instituto de la Propiedad) and the Electric Energy Regulatory Commission (CREE), (La Comisión Reguladora de Energía Eléctrica).

This occasion demonstrated institutional support for gender equality within public policy and its implementation across the public sector.

“The top authorities of both institutions are embracing the responsibility inherent in this pivotal affirmative action for Women’s Rights,” reported Semujer, Honduras.

 

 

 

 

The sworn officials voiced their commitment to contribute from within their respective institutions towards the successful realization of the National Women’s Policy.

Additionally, “they are dedicated to bridging the historical inequality gap that has persisted in our country, reported Semujer, Honduras.

Minister Doris Garcia presided over the swearing-in ceremony for the members of the IP Gender Committee, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing journey towards gender equality and justice in Honduras.

 

Nothing About Us, Without Us

The inaugural gathering of the High-Level Gender-Sensitive Budget Table (PSG) for 2024 (Mesa de Alto Nivel de Presupuesto Sensible al Género (PSG) set a crucial tone with its resounding motto: “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”

This meeting stood as a pivotal step towards ensuring the alignment of budgetary allocations with the goals outlined in President Castro’s Government Plan for 2022-2026, particularly in the pursuit of reducing gender disparities.

 

 

 

 

During the session, comprehensive evaluations and analyses of the 2023 public hearings occurred, providing the basis for a detailed work plan.

The plan highlights the significance of adhering to budget execution norms and includes methods to streamline investment allocation for promoting gender equality.

Essentially, the Gender-Sensitive Budget (PSG) acts as a democratic tool of affirmative action ensuring equitable resource allocation to implement measures aimed at reducing gender discrimination.

Through this approach, funds are earmarked to foster inclusivity and fairness from a gender perspective.

 

 

 

 

Deputy Scherly Arriaga, IV Vice President of the National Congress of Honduras and President of the Gender Equity Committee, noted that in her capacity as Vice President of the Congress of Honduras, she had the honor of representing a significant group of Honduran women in Mexico, invited by Honduras NDI.

 

 

Honduras Promotes Inclusive Political Culture. Image Credit: Secretaría de Asuntos de la Mujer, Honduras.

 

 

The exchange aimed to promote an inclusive political culture, emphasizing the effective participation of women in political parties, fostering dialogue, and embracing diverse opinions.

The meeting addressed progress and challenges in legislative matters related to gender, particularly in political participation and the eradication of violence.

Legislative Actions

SEMUJER and the Gender Equity Committee of the National Congress, articulated on February 22nd, the legislative actions prioritizing the advancement of Women and Girls’ Rights.

President Castro called for cooperation among government branches, resulting in the joint development and agreement on the Work Plan between the Secretariat of Women’s Affairs and the Gender Equity Committee of the National Congress HN for the current year.

 

 

 

 

During the session, it was agreed to promote the approval and enforcement of laws and policies aimed at promoting gender equity, ending violence against women, and ensuring their full rights in all areas of life through the following:

 

  • Shelter Houses Law (Ley Casas Refugio)
  • Reforms to the penal code
  • Reform of the organic budget law
  • Political Violence Law
  • Purple Alert Law
  • Optional Protocol of CEDAW, among others.

 

The meeting was attended by honorable deputies who are members of the Gender Equity Committee from different political parties.

To Learn More Visit:

INE, Gobierno de Honduras

Secretaría de Asuntos de la Mujer

 

Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic

Latina Republic is dedicated to promoting regional understanding through compelling narratives, articles, interviews, and reports that emanate from the heart of the Americas. Our foremost goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue by illuminating local viewpoints frequently overshadowed by mainstream media. Our mission is to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional issues, thus empowering them in their efforts. We are committed to portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America, while also chronicling the progression of social movements and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change.

 

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