Advocating for Mothers: The Unaddressed Needs in Peru’s Politics
Overview of Mothers in Peru
As we celebrate more than 9 million mothers in Peru, it’s vital to recognize the diverse circumstances they face. Six out of ten mothers are married or cohabiting, while others are single, divorced, separated, or widowed. Despite their significant numbers, political parties have largely overlooked this demographic in their platforms, especially regarding the needs of underage mothers who may not even have voting rights.
Political Parties’ Responses
During the recent electoral campaigns, both finalists—Fujimori and Sánchez—made vague promises regarding policies that would aid mothers:
- Fujimori proposed establishing a network of public daycare centers and aimed to invest 1% of GDP in child protection.
- Sánchez echoed similar sentiments but lacked substantive details in his proposals. Notably, he mentioned the word “mother” only twice throughout his campaign and offered few solutions to address the economic challenges that disproportionately affect women, such as labor informality and underemployment.
The vague and non-specific nature of these promises raises concerns about their sincerity in addressing the pressing needs of mothers.
Addressing Violence Against Women
The issue of violence against women remains a critical concern, yet neither candidate introduced innovative solutions. Instead, they recycled old promises about implementing services to prevent violence and supporting policies to combat physical and psychological suffering. Alarmingly, neither candidate mentioned the term “feminicide,” glossing over a significant issue affecting countless women.
Education and Comprehensive Support
One of the stark disparities in their agendas surrounds education. While Together for Peru is committed to reinstating Comprehensive Sexual Education (ESI), Fuerza Popular prefers to delegate this responsibility to families, a questionable choice given that most sexual abuse occurs in these very environments.
Universal Needs of Mothers
Every mother shares fundamental needs that transcend socio-economic status:
- Citizen Security
- Maternal and Child Health Services
- Childcare Networks
- Safe Public Transportation
- Decent Employment Opportunities
For many mothers, especially those raising children alone, dependency on state-provided services is not a luxury but a necessity.
The Call for Serious Commitment
If political candidates truly respect and cherish the contributions of mothers, they must prioritize crafting comprehensive plans aimed at improving their quality of life. Mothers desire more than to be hardworking individuals; they seek the right to rest, access decent work conditions, adequate healthcare, and safety in their communities.
The future government must advocate not just for economic growth but for the fundamental rights of mothers, ensuring that they live without fear and have their essential needs met.