Economic hardship and poverty impact women in Argentina and Uruguay

Reports highlight growing economic challenges and gender-based poverty in South America. In Argentina, a study by Mumala and Isepci titled ‘Futuro en pausa, sobreviviendo al ajuste de Milei’ reveals that 90% of surveyed women and LGBTTINB+ individuals have reduced daily consumption due to economic adjustments. Key reductions include clothing, food (52%), medication (27%), and basic services (19%). Additionally, 88% of respondents reported a significant loss in purchasing power over the last six months.

In Uruguay, data from the INE, Inmujeres, UN Women, and ECLAC indicates the country has the highest feminization of poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean. The report also notes a rise in gender-based violence, with 11 femicides recorded in the first half of 2026.