Guaranteeing access to the right to work and employability for young people in Ecuador

Abstract

Youth in Ecuador faces significant challenges in accessing decent employment, revealing structural deficiencies in guaranteeing the right to work and youth employability. According to statistics from the Ministry of Labor and the National Institute of Statistics and Census, a substantial percentage of young people, particularly those aged 18 to 29, are in precarious jobs or unfavorable working conditions, affecting their socioeconomic inclusion and personal development. This article analyzes Ecuadorian policies and regulations regarding youth employability, emphasizing the relevance of instruments such as the Labor Code, the Constitution of the Republic, and programs like "Mi Primer Empleo" (My First Job) and "Empleo Joven" (Youth Employment). Using a quantitative and descriptive-exploratory methodology, the study examines the current labor market conditions for young people, identifying barriers such as gender discrimination, contractual informality, and lack of training. The findings highlight the inefficacy of labor regulations in protecting the rights of this vulnerable group, proposing adjustments to public policies and stricter supervision of labor conditions in the private sector. Additionally, innovative strategies such as teleworking and hybrid work are explored as potential solutions to integrate young people into a labor market undergoing constant technological transformation. The study concludes that youth unemployability in Ecuador represents a social and economic crisis requiring urgent attention through integrative policies that ensure decent and stable work for future generations.