In Ecuador, in the last decade, official statistics show that fewer and fewer women are becoming mothers and having fewer children.

According to the National Institute for Statistics and Population Censuses (INEC), in 2015, 3,735,915 women mothers were registered in the country, and in 2021, they fell to 2,753,306.

wife and mother

The largest age range of women who become mothers is between 20 and 24 years old and makes up 26.48%, and the lowest age range is between 10 and 14 years old, i.e. 0.76%.

If we go back to 1989, Ecuadorian women had an average of 3.8 children, in 1994 they decreased to 3.6 children, in 2004 to 3.3 children, in 2012 they reached an average of 3 children, in 2018 they fell to 2.2 children, and currently it is estimated, according to INEC itself, that women mothers have an average of 2 children.

Mother’s stories

These numbers show us a new reality for women in Ecuador who no longer only aim to be mothers, but also to prepare academically, to be professionals, to have another role in society, and above all, to achieve economic independence.

Although there are many obstacles, women mothers managed to open spaces in trade, agriculture, industry, education, health and public administration and defense. But their participation in professional, scientific and technical activities and even in politics in decision-making positions is still limited.

matryoshka dolls

But the same statistics are encouraging and show that Ecuadorian women mothers are better prepared; and despite the fact that most have only primary and secondary education, there is a high percentage of those with higher education.

Now the personal and professional development of mothers goes hand in hand with the great goal of being an example to their children. But also to achieve empowerment and equality in this society.

Happy day to Ecuadorian mothers! (OR)