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THE PROBLEM
Equality and
Gender Justice
What is Gender Equity?
According to UN Women, gender equity is a process of social justice that ensures all people—regardless of gender—have equitable access to the same rights, opportunities, resources, and responsibilities. It is about removing the barriers and stereotypes that have historically limited the full development of women and gender-diverse people.
This vision calls for guaranteeing equal access to education, health, employment, and political participation; dismantling structural inequalities that perpetuate violence and discrimination; and promoting the empowerment and leadership of women in all areas of life.
It also requires integrating a gender perspective into all public policies and programs to ensure fair and equitable responses to the needs of both women and men. At its core, gender equity strives to ensure that all people can reach their full potential and participate fully in society—contributing to communities that are more just, inclusive, and sustainable.
Gender equity in
Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, working toward gender equity means acknowledging both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. Feminist movements across the archipelago have been at the forefront of major social transformations: bringing gender-based violence to the public agenda, driving legislation, building community support networks, and defending the right to make decisions about our bodies and our lives.
Yet these struggles have not always received the necessary support from the State and continue to face a limited public infrastructure, a lack of gender-responsive policies, and an unequal distribution of resources.
Globally, less than 2% of philanthropic funding goes to organizations working for the rights of women and girls—leaving many of these efforts without the sustained support they need. In Puerto Rico, this reality is compounded by its colonial status, which limits access to international and federal funding. On top of that, the climate crisis and natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes cause repeated setbacks, hitting women, LGBTQ+ people, and low-income communities the hardest.
Even so, feminist organizations continue to build alternatives, sustain communities, and advance justice from the ground up. Investing in gender equity in Puerto Rico means recognizing the power of these struggles—and the urgent need to support them with political will, resources, and solidarity.
Data that reveals the urgency of acting for equity
Climate change
According to the Germanwatch Climate Risk Index 2025, Puerto Rico ranks among the ten places most affected by the climate crisis, underscoring the urgent need for just and resilient solutions...
Economic inequality
In Puerto Rico, gender-based economic inequalities remain deep and persistent, disproportionately impacting women, trans people, and other marginalized communities...
Colinialism and philanthropy
Colonialism in Puerto Rico has shaped a philanthropic landscape marked by external control, limited local decision-making, and unequal access to resources, leaving grassroots movements underfunded despite urgent community needs...
resproductive justice
Reproductive justice in Puerto Rico means ensuring the right to have children, not have children, and to raise families in safe, healthy, and supportive environments—free from discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers...
Leadership and political participation
In recent decades, women’s political participation in Puerto Rico has grown, driven in part by organizations committed to advancing women’s leadership and representation in decision-making spaces...
Food security
Puerto Rico faces serious food security challenges, relying on imports for about 80% of its supply, a vulnerability that calls for stronger local and sustainable food systems...
Gender-based violence
we are committed to eradicating gender-based violence in all its forms, supporting initiatives that protect lives and promote safety, justice, and dignity for all...
Your Support Can Break Barriers
In Puerto Rico, women and gender-diverse people face persistent inequities—but feminist organizations are leading solutions.
Your gift strengthens their leadership, sustains communities, and opens doors to lasting change. We can’t do it without you.
DONATE TODAY!
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The Women’s Foundation of Puerto Rico operates under Section 1101.01 of the Department of Treasury of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and under Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number is 66-0931262. All donations are tax-deductible.
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