Dayanna Lizzet Vélez Araujo, Ariel Oswaldo Fernández-Loor, Jefferson Paul Sánchez-Vivanco
Women’s participation in public administration is a key component of gender equity and democratic strengthening. The objective of this study was to analyze citizens’ perceptions of women’s participation in the Decentralized Autonomous Government of the Valencia canton, Ecuador, and their perceived contribution to local development. A mixed-methods approach was used, employing a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design; 377 residents participated via a questionnaire consisting of 14 closed-ended items and one open-ended question, supplemented by interviews with three female leaders. The results showed a favorable assessment of women’s leadership due to its contribution to public administration and community well-being. However, barriers persisted, including gender stereotypes, unequal access to opportunities and resources, challenges to authority, professional devaluation, and political violence. These findings highlight the need to strengthen policies, protection mechanisms, training, and support networks to consolidate equitable women’s participation.