Transforming Public Management: A integral and innovative model to eradicate violence against women

Abstract

Gender-based violence against women in Ecuador remains a structural problem with deep cultural, social, and economic roots. This research aimed to analyze the essential needs and key components that support a comprehensive management model for the creation of the Women’s Unit in the Decentralized Autonomous Government of San Francisco de Milagro, with the possibility of replication in other locations in Ecuador and Latin America. A qualitative approach based on participatory action research was used, involving women leaders, gender-based violence specialists, public policy analysis, and statistical data. The findings highlighted the need for the management model to include components that foster autonomy, empowerment, and emotional recovery in women, as well as to strengthen the integration of the protection system, community networks, and training for officials, and to adopt process-based management with technological support that innovates decision-making. The research concludes that a territorialized, participatory and evidence-based strategy is essential to eradicate gender violence and build peaceful cities, free from violence against women, thus consolidating inclusive and sustainable public policies.