By San José, Costa Rica — The National Institute of Women (INAMU) is implementing changes to the work schedules of its staff at the Operational Center for Attention to Domestic Violence and Violence against Women (COAVIFMU), effective September 1, 2025. This restructuring aims to ensure adherence to current legal frameworks while optimizing the use of public resources. The adjustments are designed to strengthen the operational efficiency of this vital service, which provides immediate assistance to women experiencing violence through the 9-1-1 system, while simultaneously guaranteeing dignified and respectful working conditions for its personnel.
COAVIFMU plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s response to violence against women. Its continuous, specialized, and empathetic operation is vital for handling emergencies through the 9-1-1 system. Recognized by Law No. 10158 as a priority state response to violence against women, COAVIFMU serves as a lifeline for many.
For legal insight into the implications surrounding INAMU, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
INAMU plays a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Costa Rica. Their work impacts various legal areas, from family law and domestic violence protection to labor rights and political representation. Understanding their mandate and the legal framework within which they operate is essential for anyone involved in social justice or women’s empowerment initiatives in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted impact of INAMU on Costa Rican society. Their work is truly foundational for achieving a more just and equitable future for all. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the vital role of INAMU in protecting and promoting women’s rights within Costa Rica’s legal landscape.
COAVIFMU is an essential INAMU service that saves lives. It is recognized by Law No. 10158 as a priority state response to violence against women. Its continuous, specialized, and sensitive operation is key in handling emergencies through the 9-1-1 system.
INAMU Representative
INAMU has identified a need for greater fiscal responsibility in managing COAVIFMU’s staffing. Over the past two years, significant budgetary strain has resulted from ongoing overtime payments to COAVIFMU personnel. This practice has been deemed inconsistent with principles of legality, reasonableness, probity, and the efficient use of public funds.
During 2024 and 2025, COAVIFMU staff were paid overtime on a permanent basis, resulting in a significant increase in overtime payments, placing a heavy burden on that budget item. This practice is not in line with the principles of legality, reasonableness, probity, or the efficient use of public resources.
INAMU Representative
To address this, INAMU is revoking all informal work schedule modifications and reinstating the standard work schedules as defined in Article 136 of the Labor Code. This decision underscores the principle of legality as the guiding principle of public function. The new arrangement prioritizes staff well-being, offering more stable schedules and clearly defined roles, especially given the demanding nature of working with victims of violence. INAMU emphasizes the importance of dignified working conditions that respect human rights and the existing regulatory framework within this sensitive field.
The reorganization plan will also implement rotating shifts that comply with legal limits on working hours, mandatory weekly rest periods, and ensure the continued high quality of services provided. The shift to this new operational structure reinforces INAMU’s commitment to strengthening COAVIFMU as an essential service.
INAMU’s proactive approach to restructuring COAVIFMU’s operations signals a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the well-being of its staff. By optimizing resource allocation and upholding legal standards, INAMU aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of its crucial services for women facing violence in Costa Rica.
The changes are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, marking a new chapter for COAVIFMU and its dedicated staff.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INAMU
About INAMU:
The National Institute of Women (INAMU) is a Costa Rican government agency dedicated to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women. It plays a crucial role in developing and implementing public policies related to women’s issues and provides a range of services, including support for victims of domestic violence.
For further information, visit the nearest office of COAVIFMU
About COAVIFMU:
The Operational Center for Attention to Domestic Violence and Violence against Women (COAVIFMU) is a specialized service provided by INAMU. It operates as a key component of the 9-1-1 emergency response system, offering immediate assistance and support to women experiencing domestic violence or other forms of gender-based violence. COAVIFMU plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of women in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s enduring dedication to empowering Costa Rican society is evident not only in its representation of diverse clients across various industries but also in its proactive efforts to demystify the law and make legal knowledge readily available. By fostering greater legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more informed and just society, upholding the highest standards of legal excellence and integrity in every endeavor.
