Similarly, an increased access to education has empowered women and challenged traditional gender roles. As more women pursue higher education and professional careers, they demand greater equality in both the workplace and the home.
While there may be some regional variations in gender perceptions within Costa Rica, particularly between urban and rural areas, overall trends toward greater gender equality are evident nationwide. Urban areas tend to be more progressive in terms of gender norms, with higher rates of female workforce participation and greater access to education and resources for women. In rural areas, traditional gender roles may still be prevalent, influenced by factors such as limited access to education and economic opportunities. However, even in these areas, there are signs of change as more women become involved in community development initiatives and advocacy for women's rights.
Though significant strides have been made to reevaluate gender norms in Costa Rican society, the complex and long history of machismo still manifests itself in the modern-day culture. Machismo culture contributes to high rates of gender-based violence in Costa Rica. Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and femicide, or the intentional murder of women, remain significant issues, reflecting attitudes of male superiority and control over women that still exist. While legal reform regarding reproductive rights, such as access to contraception, sexual education, and reproductive health services have improved, Costa Rica’s laws on abortion are among the most restrictive in the world.
