Gender equality in the Americas.

the OAS has proclaimed the year 2010 the Inter-American Year of Women, recognizing the progress women have made in the hemisphere and the challenges and obstacles that still remain in the fight for full equality of rights; including opportunities, access, and benefits.

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The participation of women in all social, political, economic spheres is directly linked to the recognition and respect for human rights, and it is a requirement for democratic governance and for inclusive and sustainable development. But the slogan for the Inter-American Year of Women, "Women and Power: Towards a World of Equality" points out a worrisome reality: in spite of our many achievements and in spite of the massive and active participation of women in all walks of life, women continue to have limited access to power and limited influence in decision-making processes. This has an effect on the ability of women to determine the kind of social change they want and to have an impact on creating a more just social, economic, and political order at all levels.

While the numbers show an increase in the level of women's access to power and to positions of political representation, this does not necessarily mean that they can negotiate and determine the political, economic, and social agenda. Certain kinds of domination and discrimination remain which result in more or less subtle forms of marginalization and violence that limit women's ability to present and defend alternative agendas for development. This reality prevails not only in the classic spaces of political decision-making, which are certainly important, but also in the realm of personal decision-making on matters related to women's bodies, minds, and life projects.

Current opportunities and challenges are leading us to redefine the notions of "Women and Power." Women, who act as defenders of rights, heads of households, workers, community leaders, political representatives, students, activists, and entrepreneurs, are all contributing from their various spaces. The political inclusion of women and other excluded groups, based on their interests and demands, must be a central part of any reform for strengthening democratic governance in the Americas.

Cooperation is a fundamental means for strengthening collaboration and advocacy on women's rights and gender equality. Coordination between international organizations like the OAS, national mechanisms for advancing women, civil society groups...