By San José, Costa Rica — On August 15th, Costa Rica celebrates Mother’s Day, recognizing the vital role mothers play in families and society. However, this day also serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges women face simply for being mothers.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), there are 1,529,994 mothers in Costa Rica, encompassing women aged 15 and older with biological or adopted children, living in or outside their homes. A report by the State of the Nation Program (PEN) reveals that 73% of working-age women are mothers, yet their labor market participation rate is only 38.8%, compared to 45.2% for non-mothers.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities surrounding motherhood, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Motherhood in Costa Rica, while celebrated culturally, also carries significant legal implications. These range from parental rights and responsibilities concerning child custody and support, to the complex interplay between employment law and maternity leave. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for both mothers and fathers navigating the joys and challenges of raising a family in our country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point about the intersection of cultural celebration and legal realities within motherhood is particularly insightful. The journey of raising a family in Costa Rica is undoubtedly enriched by its vibrant cultural context, but navigating the legal landscape surrounding parental rights and responsibilities is equally crucial for a secure and stable family life. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable legal perspective on the multifaceted experience of motherhood in Costa Rica.
Moreover, mothers who do find employment often face precarious conditions. They are overrepresented in unskilled occupations, part-time jobs, and informal employment, suggesting they prioritize flexibility over labor rights.
Probably many of the mothers have jobs that allow them to reconcile with their family life (more flexibility, but with fewer labor rights).
State of the Nation Program (PEN) Report
This precarious employment contributes to lower fertility rates, negatively impacting families and the national economy, which faces declining birth rates and a rapidly aging population. The burden of unpaid domestic work further exacerbates these inequalities.
INEC data from this year shows that 51.3% of mothers are unavailable for work due to family or personal obligations. This underscores the gender disparity in unpaid labor, with women disproportionately shouldering the responsibility for childcare, housework, and caregiving for the elderly and disabled.
In 2022, unpaid domestic work in Costa Rica was valued at ₡9.6 trillion, with women contributing 67.18%, double the contribution of men. This burden further restricts women’s economic autonomy and career opportunities.
The PEN emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, high-quality childcare network involving the state, market, and households, ensuring that motherhood and caregiving don’t limit women’s economic independence. The OECD has also recommended expanding childcare services to enable greater female participation in the workforce.
Maritza Hernández, the first female president in 51 years of the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Business Associations (UCCAEP), has prioritized addressing the unequal burden on women, aiming to create a more equitable environment where they can work and pursue their professions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of State of the Nation Program (PEN)
About State of the Nation Program (PEN):
The State of the Nation Program (PEN) is a Costa Rican research and analysis organization focused on sustainable human development. It conducts rigorous research and publishes reports on various social, economic, and environmental issues, providing valuable insights for policymaking and public discourse. The PEN’s work aims to contribute to a more informed and equitable society in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC)
About National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC):
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) is the official statistical agency of Costa Rica. It is responsible for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistical information on a wide range of topics, including demographics, economics, social indicators, and environment. The INEC’s data is crucial for government planning, policy development, and informed decision-making in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR)
About Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) is the country’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and regulating the financial system. It plays a crucial role in maintaining price stability and promoting economic growth in Costa Rica. The BCCR conducts research, publishes economic data, and manages the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Business Associations (UCCAEP)
About Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Business Associations (UCCAEP):
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Business Associations (UCCAEP) is a leading private sector organization representing various business chambers and associations in Costa Rica. It advocates for private sector interests, promotes economic development, and engages in policy discussions. UCCAEP plays a significant role in shaping the business environment and contributing to economic growth in the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through readily accessible legal knowledge, driving innovation in legal services across a diverse clientele. Our commitment to a more informed and empowered Costa Rican society fuels our pursuit of not just legal victories, but also meaningful contributions to the fabric of our nation.
