Political participation of women in the municipal council of puerto cabezas from 1996 to 2004

Abstract

This monographic investigation evaluates the participation of women in the political sphere of the Municipal Council of Puerto Cabezas, during two periods: 1996-2000 and 2001-2004. According to the results, women concur as a minority in numerical terms, also in relation to the quality of participation in public spaces. Three periods of the Municipal Council have passed and there is still no space where women who are elected or who have completed their term can share their experiences. In this study, it is considered for the first time to examine how women are in a difficult field dominated by men. One of the most interesting results is aimed at considering the passive participation in the debate and proactive capacity of women councilors of the period studied. In addition, it was identified that they had little experience in the political field, causing a limited proactive capacity in topics of benefit to them according to their gender. When reviewing the proceedings of the Municipal Council of Puerto Cabezas, it is evident that there are no resolutions or ordinances in favor of women directly. Also, once the political women enlist in the parties to participate in an electoral contest, they do not have an agenda of their own. Once elected, they isolate themselves from women's organizations that allow them the direct link with the demands of a sector represented by them.