Dominican Republic girls face gender-based challenges despite higher school completion

A report by UNICEF titled ‘Analysis of the situation of girls, boys and adolescents in the Dominican Republic according to sex and social norms’ reveals that while Dominican girls complete secondary education at higher rates than boys, they face significant systemic challenges.

According to the data, 71.4% of adolescent girls complete the second cycle of secondary school, compared to 51% of boys. However, adolescent pregnancy remains a critical issue, with 53 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19. Additionally, one in four adolescent girls misses school, work, or social activities due to a lack of adequate menstrual hygiene management.

The report also highlights high rates of violence, noting that over three-quarters of adolescent girls report experiencing some form of violence during childhood or adolescence, with nearly half citing abuse within school environments. Girls aged 10 to 19 also show the highest prevalence of sexual aggression among the child and adolescent population. While the 2021 reform to the Civil Code prohibiting marriage under 18 is a noted advancement, UNICEF warns that social norms and inequalities continue to hinder progress, particularly for girls in rural areas, migrants, and those with disabilities.