“As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Justice of the US Supreme Court
 
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th. This is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality, equity, justice, peace, and development for women. It serves as a focal point for action to promote women's rights and to celebrate their significant contributions to society, the economy, politics, community, academia, and daily life. That is why today, we are grateful for more than a celebration: March 8th aims to raise awareness of the efforts that women have made throughout history and recognize the road ahead.
 
Historically, women have faced inequalities in both public and private spheres, including the workplace and home. These adversities are reflected in the struggle for universal suffrage[1], women's education[2], social and economic rights, access to decent work and equal pay, control over property[3]domestic violence, and abuses of sexual and reproductive rights[4].
 
Despite these challenges, women have achieved significant advances in society, particularly in the economic sector.
 
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) shows that having a management team that includes both men and women leads to better innovation and improved financial performance. According to the Fortune 500 rankings, only 53 of the 500 largest companies in the United States are led by women, which represents just over 10%. In view of this, in 2009 the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), launched the Gender Equality Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, which monitors the situation of women in the region who are victims of inequalities and discriminatory practices related to social and economic redistribution, as well as to political and symbolic recognition. This is a follow-up to the situation of women in the region, who are victims of inequalities and discriminatory practices related to social and economic redistribution, as well as to political and symbolic recognition of their rights[5].
 
According to the Fortune 500 rankingsonly 53 of the 500 largest companies in the United States are led by women, which represents just over 10%.
 
The presence of women in top management also accelerates innovation and attracts talented professionals. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality and equity in all areas of life. This is why it is essential to reflect on the actions that each of us can take to achieve significant changes on a daily basis.
 
Carrillo & Asociados is committed to working towards a more just and equal world for all, and this year, we join the fight to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination and to promote equal access to justice and human rights for women. The Firm stands in defense of women's rights and freedoms and looks forward to continuing to work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

[1] The right to universal suffrage in Guatemala was recognized in 1965.

[2] Acuerdos y Soluciones’ Statistical Compendium of Children and Adolescents prepared by the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that 78% of women over the age of seven can read and write, compared to 85% of men, as a result of women often abandoning their studies due to early pregnancies, household chores, caregiving, lack of money, among other reasons.

[3] According to the United Nations (UN), women earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, with a gender pay gap as wide as 23% and even wider for women with children.

[4] According to the UN,, in the last year, one out of every three women in the world has suffered sexual and/or physical violence at the hands of her partner, which makes 30% worldwide. According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the most committed and reported crime in Guatemala in recent years is violence against women and children, accounting for more than 23,000 crimes in 2022.

[5] Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).