Country Profile

Corruption remains a huge challenge in Ecuador, as evidenced by the country’s poor performance on various governance indicators such as the Corruption Perceptions Index and the Worldwide Governance Indicators. Though there is very little information on gender and corruption in Ecuador, there are some indications that corruption affects women in rural areas. In one study from 2017, 57% of rural women surveyed stated that they had experienced extortion from public officials and that many were denied services if they refused to comply with demands for bribes.

Evidence also shows that corruption in the country hinders the ability of the state to fulfil its obligations in terms of citizens’ social, economic and cultural rights such as the rights to health, an adequate standard of living and the rights of indigenous communities. In addition, it also hinders the full enjoyment, respect and protection of civil and political rights, such as the right to a fair trial and right to security of the person.