Girls and women lead the worst part of the inequality, despite the fact that, at least in Costa Rica, their academic preparation is increasing when compared with that of men.
The 2017 State of World Population, made by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is titled “Worlds apart: Reproductive health and rights in times of inequality.”
Paula Antezana, assistant representative of the Fund in Costa Rica, commented that although there have been global advances in access to health and technology services, inequality grew.
For example, 75% of the world’s wealth at this time is concentrated in less than 2,500 people, while hundreds of millions of families live on less than $1.25 a day. So, if we look at the issue from the point of view of access to resources and opportunities, it is very worrying. But inequality not only has an economic dimension, it also has racial, political, social, institutional and gender-based dimensions,”
said Antezana.
In the case of Costa Rica, the report states that despite a high rate of human development, thanks to schooling and access to health, some regions and populations are excluded from the progress.
In Costa Rica, the inequality index increased from 2010 to 2016. We find that growth is accelerating compared to other countries in Latin America. There has been accelerated growth affecting some regions more than others, such as Brunca, Huétar Norte and Chorotega regions,”
said Antezana.
One of the most powerful forms of inequality is gender, which according to the report is manifested in incongruences in the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights, which are fundamental aspects that do not receive enough attention. Its implications in the lives of women and society in general are immense.
The unmet need for family planning in developing countries is noted, which is often higher among women in the poorest 20% of households. This means that, lacking access to contraceptive methods, poor women, particularly those with lower levels of education and living in rural areas, are more exposed to unwanted fertility.
The consequence is health risks and economic repercussions. Lack of capacity to decide if they want to become pregnant, when or how often, limits their access to education, delays their incorporation into the paid workforce and reduces their income.
However, one of the advances in which the country stands out is the level of schooling.
This undoubtedly is an important human capital for Costa Rica and we must increase it because the future is betting on women since they are girls. The country must bet on better prepared women who can access decent work,”
said Antezana, who pointed out that women’s participation in the market is lower than that of men.
On the other hand, the main challenge is to work on the issue of inequality as a priority and to prevent it from continuing to grow.