Women in Panama: Pioneers of Change in a Nation of Resilience

Across the isthmus of Panama, women are reshaping society—leading in politics, transforming economies, and challenging deep-rooted traditions. From groundbreaking legislative victories to driving innovation in business and civil society, their influence is not only visible but indispensable. In a country where gender equality remains a work in progress, Panamanian women are forging paths forward with determination, proving that their contributions are central to Panama’s evolving identity.

The Political Ascent: Shattering Barriers in Government

Panama’s women have emerged as formidable leaders in national politics, dismantling decades-old glass ceilings. The 2024 legislative elections marked a historic milestone: women secured 32% of parliamentary seats—double the global average for Latin America—with 12 female lawmakers elected, including high-pronames like Dr. Elena Mira and Margarita Barrios.

Their impact is tangible: between 2020 and 2024, female representation in Congress rose steadily, driven by targeted party quotas and grassroots mobilization. “Women in leadership aren’t just symbolic—they bring concrete policy change,” states political analyst Elena Vega. “When Parliament includes women, issues like maternal health, gender-based violence, and work-family balance receive more consistent attention.” Beyond Congress, women now hold key ministerial roles: Dr.

Lilian Camacho, Panama’s first female Minister of Health, launched nationwide maternal care initiatives that reduced preventable childbirth complications by 18% in three years. Similarly, Deputy of Justice María del Valle has championed reforms to strengthen legal protections against domestic abuse, expanding access to justice for thousands of women in rural and urban communities alike.

Economic Empowerment: Women at the Engine of National Growth

In Panama’s dynamic economy—where services, logistics, and technology drive expansion—women are increasingly pivotal.

According to the World Bank, female labor force participation reached 56% in 2023, up from 49% in 2015, with women now composing nearly half of Jamaica’s peak earning workforce. In Panama City’s booming financial sector, women lead major firms and regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank’s Female Leadership Task Force, launched in 2022 to close the gender pay gap. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owned by women now represent 37% of formal business activity, contributing over $2.3 billion annually to GDP.

The National Entrepreneurship Initiative, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, has channeled $150 million in funding to female founders since 2020. Notable success stories include Ana Luisa Duarte, CEO of EcoTech Panamanense, which developed sustainable urban drainage systems now used across Latin America. > “Our enterprises are not just profitable—they’re sustainable and community-focused,” says Duarte.

“We invest in women’s training, mentorship, and local supply chains, creating ripple effects that uplift entire neighborhoods.”

Education and Social Equity: Breaking Cycles of Disadvantage

Central to Panama’s progress is a focus on empowering girls through education. Since the 2016 implementation of free secondary schooling and school nutrition programs, female enrollment in technical and vocational education has grown by 40%. The Ministry of Education’s Teach Her to Lead campaign, targeting girls in marginalized districts, has doubled secondary completion rates in target communities from 52% to 74% over five years.

Yet disparities persist. Indigenous and Afro-Panamanian women face higher dropout rates due to geographic isolation and cultural barriers. In response, organizations like Semilla Mujer provide bilingual, culturally responsive education and digital literacy programs across the Darién and Comarca regions, reaching over 2,500 girls annually and equipping them with tools to pursue careers in engineering, law, and technology.

“Education isn’t just a right—it’s a lever of transformation,” notes anthropologist Dr. Sofía Reyes. “When girls learn, communities thrive.

When girls lead, Panama advances.”

Challenges Remain: The Ongoing Struggle for Full Equality

Despite remarkable gains, systemic challenges endure. Across Panama, women earn 18% less than men on average, and only 21% of CEO positions in the country’s largest firms are held by women. Cultural norms, limited access to childcare, and underrepresentation in STEM fields continue to hinder progress.

Domestic violence, though declining, affects 1 in 4 women under 35, according to INMU data, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement of protective laws. Sectional disparities are stark: rural, coastal, and indigenous women face compounded barriers. Yet local NGOs such as Mujer y Derecho and Fundación Equidad have pioneered community-based solutions—legal aid clinics, women’s cooperatives, and digital safety workshops—proving that grassroots action can bridge gaps where policy lags.

Women Leading Innovation: From Communities to Global Platforms

Panamanian women are not only breaking barriers—they are redefining innovation. In rural Chiriquí, agricultural entrepreneur Sandra Herrera uses blockchain technology to connect small-scale coffee farmers directly with international buyers, cutting out middlemen and increasing profits by up to 45%. Her model has been adopted in 12 provinces under the National Agri-Innovation Program.

In digital entrepreneurship, platforms like MujerTech and Invierte Mujer support female founders in tech startups, fintech, and environmental solutions. Last year, these ecosystems attracted over $20 million in investment, with women-led ventures securing 32% of funding—double the regional average. Urban centers like Panama City pulse with female-driven ventures in social impact.

Chefa community tech hubs, run by collectives led by women like Ana Isabel Ríos, train youth in coding and civic tech, fostering leadership and digital inclusion across generations.

The Path Forward: Sustaining Progress Through Collective Action

The journey toward full equality for women in Panama demands sustained commitment. Legislative reforms—such as expanded parental leave, anti-discrimination enforcement, and targeted investment in women’s entrepreneurship—are critical.

Equally important are cultural shifts: challenging stereotypes in media, promoting gender-sensitive curricula, and amplifying women’s voices in public discourse. Panama’s experience offers a powerful model: measurable progress is possible when policy, community action, and private sector collaboration align. As women continue to rise—whether in Congress, boardrooms, or village councils—they are not just changing Panama’s narrative.

They are building a future where every girl’s potential becomes the nation’s strength. In this evolving story, women in Panama are not just participants. They are architects—crafting progress one vote, one business, one classroom at a time.