Women´s Rights

The roles of women in Nicaragua

Nicaraguan women face a number of difficulties. Gender roles and stereotypes are very prevalent in this country, and women are often treated as second-class citizens in this society. Machismo rules and women often lose.

Men are the breadwinners of the family, while women´s roles tend to be inside the home. the daily lives of amas de casa )housewives) consist of cleaning, hand-washing clothes, cooking, helping children with homework and tending to the needs of their husbands. Sons are encouraged to participate in activities outside the home while daughters are expected to be take a family position similar to their mother´s role. For these daughters, when they attempt to move beyond their assigned gender roles, they are chastised with a ¨You can´t do that.¨ This passive rearing discourages many girls from attending school and exploring the greater world.

In addition, 75 percent of Nicaraguan women are single mothers. Many men are farm-laborers who spend many months away from home. Other men seek work in nearby Costa Rica or attempt to illegally immigrate to the United States in hopes of finding a well-paying job. Over a 1 million Nicaraguans work in Costa Rica and the United States. These forces the separation of many families in Nicaragua and women are left raising children on their on. In addition, it is not unusual for men to have children with a number of women. A man may take a wife and have a family but also maintains a number of girlfriends and mistresses. This family structure is often acceptable by women and encouraged by men.

Also, few economic opportunities outside the home exist for women. Many are wholly dependent on men for their economic livelihood. Those that do work often run pulperias...mini-convenience stores, baking or vending items. All decisions concerning money are made by men. It is not unusual for a father to head to a bar after work and leave his family home alone. Alcohol abuse is rampant in Nicaragua. In addition, social norms dictate women are not permitted to drink.

As a Peace Corps volunteer, I find myself challenged every day by these gender roles. to a degree, as a outsider, I am expected from a number of these roles but as a volunteer, I also need to respect the traditions of a country. This is a fine line to tread and a difficult situation that all volunteers experience.