Ecuadorian women achieve a 90% repayment rate, the highest in Latin America, yet they still struggle with access to credit due to multiple economic and social barriers.
Ecuadorian women have demonstrated exceptional financial responsibility, achieving a 90% repayment rate for credit, the highest in Latin America, according to studies from Equifax. Despite this impressive statistic, they continue to face significant barriers when seeking access to credit, compounded by heightened economic responsibilities at home. These challenges manifest particularly around the International Women's Day, which serves to highlight the ongoing issues faced by women in the financial sector.
A recent study by Mujer, Defensa Deudores Ecuador reveals four signals of women's over-indebtedness in the country, pulling data from cases analyzed in 2025 and early 2026. Legal expert César Coronel Garcés points out that the increase in women's debt correlates with various economic and social factors, notably that six out of ten Ecuadorians need to incur debt to meet basic needs, and three out of ten individuals with credit have uncertain repayment capacities.
The situation illustrates a concerning trend where, despite being responsible borrowers, women encounter systemic barriers that restrict their financial growth and stability. As they shoulder greater economic burdens within households, the study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and support systems that can facilitate equitable access to credit for women, ensuring their financial contributions and responsibilities are recognized and supported in the broader economic landscape.
