The popular view of women in Colombia differs exponentially with the laws currently in application within that country. These views have made it almost impossible for the women of Colombia to enjoy the protection that the laws provide for them. A negative view towards women was used as a colonial weapon in Colombia since some of the traditional Colombian communities were matriarchal. Spanish colonialists targeted women as a tool for colonialism and even denied them an opportunity for education. Indeed, it was only through an act of parliament that women were allowed an education. Violence against women is still rife in Colombia with rape being a common tool of abuse (Ørstavik & Rodriguez, 2018).. In some cases, rape seems to be condoned in Colombia, for example, if the victim was poorly dressed
State Policy towards Equality
The Colombian laws on gender equality and gender issues are among the most advanced in the world, more so for a Third World Country. The state has a very strong policy on gender equality and has passed laws to ensure the protection of women. State policy also provides for the empowerment of women including equal opportunities in education and also in the workplace (UN Women, 2018). However, some issues that are considered as fundamental to gender equality such as abortion and equal service in the military are still not provided. Abortion is extremely restricted, and military service for women is limited to non-active duty.
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LGBT Rights
In the arena of LGBT rights, Colombia is a trailblazer for other third world countries as it has passed laws that guarantee equal rights for the LGBT community. The Supreme Court has also created a positive precedent that provides for the equal treatment of gays and lesbians in Colombia. Both public servants and private establishments are prohibited ed by law from discriminating against members of the LGBT community. Public perception of the LGBT community is also quite positive with even public displays of acceptable among the LGBT community being acceptable. LGBT individuals are also allowed to serve in the Colombian military while openly expressing their sexual preferences (Lemaitre, 2009).
Bibliography
Lemaitre Ripoll, Julieta. "Love in the time of cholera: LGBT rights in Colombia." Sur. Revista Internacional de Direitos Humanos 6, no. 11 (2009): 78-97
Ørstavik, Sara Lisa, and Andres Lizcano Rodriguez. "Colombia's Gender Problem." The Huffington Post. December 01, 2013. Accessed February 13, 2018. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/the- morningside -post/colombias-gender-problem_b_4357321.html.
UN Women. "Colombia." UN Women | Americas and the Caribbean. 2018. Accessed February 13, 2018. http://lac.unwomen.org/en/donde-estamos/colombia