As introduced in the Colombian Constitution of 1991, women in Colombia have the complete right to bodily integrity and to be autonomous; to work; to vote to hold public office; to own property; to fair wages or equal pay; to receive an education; to serve in the military in certain duties but are excluded from combat arms units; to enter into legal contracts; and to have marital, parental and religious rights. Women’s rights in Colombia have been slowly developing since the early 20th Century.
Background
Women in Colombia have been very active in military aspects, serving mainly as supporters or spies such as in the case of Lady Policarpa Salavarrieta who played a key role in the independence of Colombia from the Spanish empire. Some native groups such as the Wayuu hold a matriarchal society in which a woman’s role is central and the most essential for their society. Women belonging to indigenous groups were very highly targeted by the Spanish colonizers during the colonial era. Many native women were subject to slavery, rape and the loss of their cultural identity.
Throughout the colonial era, the 19th century and the establishment of the republican era, Colombian women were degraded to be housewives in a male dominated society. Education for women was limited to only the wealthy and they were only allowed to study until middle school in monastery under Roman Catholic education. On December 10, 1934 the Congress of Colombia presented a law to give women the right to gain education. The law generated controversy, as did any issue related to women’s rights at that time.
Educational rights
Before 1933 women in Colombia were only allowed schooling until middle secondary school level education. Liberal congressman Jorge Eliécer Gaitán defended the decree Number 1972 of 1933 to let women receive higher education schooling, while the conservative Germán Arciniegas opposed this idea. The decree passed and was signed by the Liberal government of Alfonso López Pumarejo. The state-owned National University of Colombia was the first higher education institution to allow female students in their campus. Gerda Westendorp was admitted on February 1, 1935 to study medicine. Gabriela Peláez, who was admitted as a student in 1936 and graduated as a lawyer, became the first female to ever graduate from a university in Colombia. In 1936, María Carulla founded the first school of social works under the support of the Our Lady of the Rosary University. After this, women began to be seen by many as equivalent to men for their academic achievements, creativity, and discipline. At the same time, citizens began to support the idea of citizenship for women following the example of other European countries. The constant political violence, social issues, and economic problems were among the main subjects of study for women, mainly in the areas of family violence and couple relationships, and also in children abuse.
Legal contracts rights
A group of women led by Georgina Fletcher met with president of Colombia Enrique Olaya Herrera with the intention of asking him to aid the transformation of the Colombian legislation regarding women’s rights to administer properties. The law was named ley sobre Régimen de Capitulaciones Matrimoniales (“Law about marriage capitulations regime”) which was later proposed in congress in December 1930 by Ofelia Uribe as a constitutional reform. The law’s main objective was to let women to administer their properties and not their husbands, male relatives or tutors, as had been the case. The move generated a big scandal in congress. It did not pass, and later created persecutions and plotting against the group of women. As leader of the group, Georgina Fletcher was persecuted and isolated. The Régimen de Capitulaciones Matrimoniales was once again presented in congress in 1932 and approved into Law 28 of 1932.
Characteristics of a Colombian Women:
There is no doubt that Colombian women are pretty and attractive. Besides from their attractive appearances, women of Colombia also have praiseworthy characteristics and qualities that are hidden within their skin.
The following are some of the characteristics of Colombian women that makes them different and distinctive from the women of other part of the world:
Family Oriented
Family is undoubtedly one of the highest priority for a Colombian woman.
Faithful
Another significant characteristic among women in Colombia is their faithfulness. Although Latinas have been popular for by some as unfaithful, it is quite the opposite of Colombian women. The dating culture and family values of Colombia have influenced its women to the importance of relations. In fact, cheating is considered as a very low act by the people living in Colombia due to their monogamous culture. Moreover, their feelings speak a lot when it comes to being faithful.
Descent
With the genetically curvaceous figures Latinas have, it is no shock that they dress to kill and show off the best of themselves. However, as interesting as this may look, their clothes do not display their respectability as women. It is part of the Latin culture for its women to look their absolute best while keeping their conservative approach. Being conservative is not completely measured by the outfits they wear but by their integrity, character, and self-respect. Latinas know how to carry themselves from their stunning and attractive appearances to their well-maintained inner being.
Dancing
For a Colombian woman, dancing is like a normal habit. Of course, not all Colombian women will be fabulous dancers. But even understanding the basic Latin dance steps like salsa is enough to keep themselves cherished.
Sociable
Colombia is a place full of brightness and joy. This does not only apply to the infamous Colombia nightlife but also to their culture and people. The place may not brag a lot in terms of tourist goals, but it takes contentment in the passion of its people and the bounty of their culture which is shown in the Barranquilla Carnival, and more so in their everyday lives. Their welcoming smiles and positive character will definitely cheer up your day. Despite your skin color or your accent, they will gladly show you around their city.
Colombian Women’s dressing
From the high, cool mountain regions to the low, warm coastal zones, Colombians have adopted amazing traditional clothes as diverse as the country’s nature and terrain.
Colombia in the sixteenth century, so too were born various cultural groups, with their own customs, rituals and pattern of dressing. Made with natural fabrics and often with bright colors, these pieces have become iconic across Latin America. Here is a sampling of some of the most typical garments worn across Colombia:
- Andean Region
The world’s longest mountain range creates a number of various climates in Colombia, reflected in the diverse clothing worn in the Andes.
Among the most famous is the typical dress in Huila, used traditionally when dancing the Sanjuanero dance. Women wear a ruffled white blouse that hangs off the shoulders, paired with lace and sequin. A wide skirt–opened during dance–is made from colorful satin and lace, often with colorful floral decorations. She wears colorful lively flowers in her hair. The men’s dress is simpler, but equally important: a simple white shirt and trousers, leather belt, a red scarf, and a hand-made hat.
Higher up, in the countryside of chilly Boyacá and Cundinamarca, both men and women wear the ruana, or a wool poncho.
In the more temperate rural coffee belt region, the female coffee collector, called the chapolera, wears a white long-sleeve blouse and a flowing skirt, usually with colorful designs and flowers, and white sandals.
- Orinoco Region
In the warm, rugged plains of Eastern Colombia, where horseback riding and cattle ranching are a way of life, the clothing is normally light and simple.
To dance the traditional Joropo dance, women wear a wide skirt that falls to the knee, featuring a number of different fabrics, with a red or white background and flowers. A three quarter sleeve blouse is decorated with ribbons matching the skirt, and ribbons or flowers decorate her hair.
- Caribbean Region
In the coastal Caribbean region, light and airy clothing is used to combat the heat and humidity.
Women wear light and flowy skirts and tops. And there are few items more Colombian than the “vueltiao” hat, or sombrero vueltiao, which comes from this region. The black and white brimmed hats are woven from dried cane leaves and worn across the Coast. In 2004, the hat was declared a Cultural Symbol of the Nation.
In the department of La Guajira, bordering Venezuela, the Wayuu indigenous group retains their folklore, including their dress. The Wayuu women wear a loose dress and sandals with woolen tassels, according to social rank. They weave the traditional and colorful Wayuu bags.
- Amazon Region
In the sparsely populated Amazon region, a number of indigenous groups have their own ways of life and of dress. Many groups exist semi-■■■■.
Women may wear a calf-length skirt and white blouse with indigenous belts and necklaces.
- Pacific Region
On the Pacific Coast, inhabitants dress for the heat, and large black communities retain traditions originating in Africa, including their clothing and folklore.
Traditionally, women wear colorful, pastel clothing, made with soft fabrics and sewn with flowers, ribbons and other flourishes and designs. Skirts fall to the ankles, and are equally colorful
African influence can be seen in Pacific communities, especially during special events and dances, such as through head wraps and other colorful adornments and accessories.
Stereotypes about Colombian Women
Since you set out to start relationships with a Colombian woman, it’s not the first article or guide you’re reading. You might notice that different authors provide different information and their opinions on particular aspects don’t coincide. At this point, you may find it difficult to get to the truth. We want to save you from illusory superstitions: gain insight into the most widespread stereotypes about Colombian women they hate to hear:
They are ready to get laid with everyone. Some travelers state that they managed to get laid with almost any girl they picked up. Don’t believe rumors — many men try to show themselves in the best light and can’t admit failure. There are a lot of forward-looking and open-minded girls who aren’t against casual relationships, but even these ladies need time to get to know a man before having any affairs with him.
Girls are involved in drug trafficking. This assumption is very offensive to most Colombians. Even though this country is known for being the largest ■■■■■■■ producer in the world, it doesn’t mean all people here either sell it or take it.
All Colombian women dance salsa. Colombians adore dancing, it’s undoubtedly, but let’s not limit dancing to salsa alone. Imagine that each foreigner asks them about salsa, and it continues day by day. Get acquainted with the Colombian culture before going there, and you’ll impress any Colombian lady you’ll like.
All Colombian ladies are supermodels. Many world-famous supermodels were born in Colombia, but it doesn’t mean that any girl you meet in Bogota streets is a model. There are a lot of beautiful girls; however, be ready that they may look different from the women on Instagram or on TV screens.
How to Succeed in Dating a Colombian woman?
Cross-cultural dating has certain peculiarities, and you should be informed about them if you want your relationships to be successful. Let’s start with discussing the key tips for dating a Columbian girl that’ll make you closer to winning her over. On the whole, most of the Colombian women are interested in meeting and dating foreigners, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t control your behavior and know some ways to woman’s heart:
On the whole, most of the Colombian women are interested in meeting and dating foreigners.
Learn how to dance. Find out what dance is more popular in the area you stay in and learn them. When you go out with a Colombian woman, you should be ready to dance with her.
Don’t pay attention to flakiness. Colombian girls can often be late, and you can do nothing with this habit. Being flaky is a part of Colombian culture, so you’d better put up with it.
Learn Spanish a little. Even though ladies know the basics of English, you’d better get acquainted with Spanish to avoid the language barrier and make your date understand that you’re truly interested in dating her.
Pay for her. You don’t need to boast of your earnings because it will only scare off the girl. What is required from you is to be a gentleman to all Colombian women: pay for dinners and taxi. If you want to please her with a small gift, do it but not too often.
Set up the first date in a coffee shop. It’s a rather popular way of meeting a girl for the first time. You don’t spend much money and will spend time in a calm and quiet atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions 
How to attract a Colombian woman?
- Don’t reference dumb clichés and bad jokes about Pablo Escobar and drugs.
- Don’t behave like a cerdo.
- Don’t act like an iceberg, flirt!
- Try your best moves on the dance floor.
- Keep your ears open.
- Talk to her with your charming accent in Spanish.
- Make her laugh with good jokes.
What to know about dating a Colombian woman?
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They’re a feisty bunch.
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They’re affectionate.
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Goodbyes will never be the same.
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They’ll make you cry.
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You had better learn how to dance.
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They’re ridiculously proud.
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Family is massively important.
Who are Colombians descended from?
Most Colombians of European descent are mainly descended from Spanish settlers, while other Europeans arrived during the nineteenth and twenteeth centuries.
Conclusion:
Colombian women are pretty and attractive. Besides from their attractive appearances, women of Colombia also have praiseworthy characteristics and qualities that are hidden within their skin. In the above article there are some of the Colombian women characteristics’ and their lifestyle discussed.
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