Suicides of Adolescent Women in the City of Tulcán

This research addresses the tragic series of suicides among adolescent women aged 14 to 16 that occurred in Tulcán during the first quarter of 2013. The primary goal is to interpret, from an anthropological viewpoint, the implicit meanings behind these events by examining the perceptions of various social actors. The study seeks to understand the social, cultural, generational, and gender dynamics within a society characterized as patriarchal and exclusionary, which has failed to create adequate spaces for youth development. The methodology focuses on analyzing youth narratives—including language, graffiti, social media, and testimonies—and employing the 'case history' method to capture the lived experiences, thoughts, and feelings of local adolescents. The ultimate aim is to contribute reflections that enrich public policies concerning child and youth protection, fostering spaces for dialogue and change in intergenerational and institutional relationships.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To investigate, from an anthropological perspective, the perception and meanings that the suicides of adolescent women aged 14 and 16, which occurred in Tulcán between January and March 2013, hold for the different actors involved.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Health and interculturality