Overcoming challenges: the solidarity economy as a response to women's unpaid work in Ecuador

The sexual division of labor has historically relegated women to unpaid work in the home, perpetuating gender inequality and limiting their incorporation into the labor market under equal conditions. In Ecuador, this disparity is evident, as women devote significantly more time to unpaid work than men. This article analyzes the situation of women in relation to their hours of unpaid work and the income generated by these activities. It qualitatively explores the correlation between these variables and examines how the solidarity economy in Ecuador can contribute to the vindication of women in their productive role. In addition, Marxist and feminist theories were applied to examine the exploitation of women's unpaid work and its impact on socioeconomic welfare. The results show that women dedicate almost three times more time to unpaid work than men. The solidarity economy is presented as a viable alternative for women's flexible labor insertion, allowing them to generate income and financial autonomy through associative processes. The gender disparity in unpaid work in Ecuador is significant. The solidarity economy can be an alternative for empowering women, improving their participation in the labor market under more equitable conditions and promoting a fair distribution of the means of production and wealth.