Paraguay is a Latin American country with a universal population of 6.4 million citizens, almost 4 million of whom are females, representing 74% of the work force (statistics supplied by the World Bank).

Women are in the majority; however the laws protecting them in Paraguay, although it has improved considerably since the Constitution changed in 1992, can still be regarded as weak.  The changes were welcomed by the feminist who worked tirelessly to bring about an awakening, which led to reforms that previously did not exist. The awareness campaign helped to develop a legal framework which now govern the protection of womens rights in Paraguay.

The constitution has within it, a ‘Family code’ specifically designed to give women a degree of protection. It awarded women the same rights as men within the home environment, especially with regards to parental responsibility. Greater rights also now exist regarding the ownership of property and inheritance, which is subject to the same legal restrictions and transparency, although socio-cultural traditions still linger and continue to discriminate against women to some extent.

Agrarian land (cultivated property land) reforms within the Constitution aim to support female farmers, especially those who are the head of their household.  There is no discrimination against them in that area, although in its practical application, women continue to be far more limited than men.  Cultivated land laws actively promote and support women’s access to loans and although traditionally regarded as ‘good payers’, ironically they are far half as likely to be granted loans because they are women.

The legal age for marriage is as low as 16 years for both male and female and the incidence of early marriage are very high.  A survey undertaken by the United Nations suggests that on average, 17% of women between the ages of 15 and 19 were married, divorced or widowed, whilst polygamy is illegal in Paraguayan society.

In 2000 violence against women was classified as criminal, punishably by the Law if the abuse is physical and habitual and where found guilty it is only penalised with a fine.  However, the law does not recognise psychological or economic abuse.

There are no impediments to women entering the political arena; in fact they play a very active role in the country’s political system. This is supported by an electoral code which require each political party to field at least 20% female candidates in their internal primaries for electoral office.

Civil liberties are not restricted and women are allowed freedom of movement and dress. Women’s rights are gradually evolving in Paraguay as they strives to progress from the dark ages to become a modern civilisation, where the contribution of women in their society is recognise, appreciated and valued.

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