The study “Research to Strengthen the LGBTIQ+ Business and Labor Fabric in Panama” presents a comprehensive analysis that examines the gaps, needs, and priorities of LGBTIQ+ people in the country’s labor and business spheres. This report, developed with a mixed methodology that includes Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) and a detailed qualitative analysis, provides a comprehensive view of the current situation and offers key recommendations to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
The study, which has collected data from 825 surveys and conducted 14 interviews, 3 focus groups and an exhaustive review of literature and legal framework, highlights that, despite the existence of laws and international treaties that promote equality and non-discrimination, Panama still lacks precise national regulations that ensure the effective protection of the basic human rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
Among the most significant findings of the study, it is noted that discrimination remains a persistent challenge. Despite the 2002 law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, both in the public and private sectors, LGBTIQ+ people continue to face barriers and situations of exclusion. In addition, Panama has been one of the last countries in the region to decriminalize homosexuality, which underlines a delay in the recognition and promotion of the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.
The report also addresses shortcomings in the education and health systems. In the educational field, the lack of inclusion of issues related to sexual and gender diversity is highlighted, as well as the urgent need to create safer and more respectful school environments. In terms of health, poor care is evident despite the existence of Friendly Clinics. Lack of access to specialists and the presence of discrimination barriers remain important problems.
In the labour context, the study reveals the complexity of the labour market in Latin America and the Caribbean, with high rates of informal employment and unemployment that directly affect the LGBTIQ+ community. Although there are laws prohibiting discrimination, discriminatory practices persist and inclusive policies face challenges due to cultural and religious factors. Entrepreneurship emerges as an opportunity for inclusion, but faces obstacles related to discrimination and administrative difficulties.
To improve the quality of life and inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community in Panama, the study recommends a comprehensive approach that addresses the eradication of discrimination from education to employment. Promoting cultural change, implementing inclusive policies and ensuring access to adequate health services are crucial steps to generate a positive impact.
The launch of the study was complemented by a methodological workshop that brought together 35 people linked to the LGBTIQ+ community in Panama. This workshop aimed to train attendees in the use of the database and tools linked to the study, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and strengthening the group’s capacity to use the results of the report.
The study “Research to Strengthen the LGBTIQ+ Business and Labor Fabric in Panama” hopes that the conclusions and recommendations will drive concrete and collaborative actions to address the identified challenges and promote equal opportunities for all LGBTIQ+ people.
Interesting facts:
- 26.4% of the LGBTIQ+ population has had to travel to provincial capitals or the country’s capital to access basic services.
- The majority of people in the LGBTIQ+ population live with their relatives (42.3% with their parents, 19.5% with their siblings, 4.3% with their children, and 25.4% with other relatives), with only 12.8% living alone.
- The majority of economically active people are engaged in activities in the commercial (12.5%), gastronomic (10.4%) and cleaning and care services (8.3%) sectors.
- Among the experiences of discrimination that were recorded in the study, 18.8% of the participants had experienced physical or psychological violence from their schoolmates.
- 14% of the population surveyed by this study stated that in the last month they have missed one of the three basic meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) due to lack of money.
- According to data on complaints of discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity to the police, only 1.3% have filed complaints.
- Regarding the LGBTIQ+ migrant population, the majority (76.2%) mentioned decent employment free of discrimination as the main need for attention.
Media Contact:
Francisco Riera
Director
Equilibrium SDC
comunicaciones@equilibriumbdc.com