desprotegidas

Desprotegidas is the feminine plural form of the Spanish adjective desprotegido, meaning unprotected. It is used to describe people or things that lack protection, safeguards, or security, whether physical, legal, or social. The term derives from the prefix des- indicating negation and protégé, related to proteger (to protect). Its gender and number agreement with the noun it modifies makes las mujeres desprotegidas, las personas desprotegidas, or comunidades desprotegidas common phrases in discourse.

In usage, desprotegidas often refers to groups considered vulnerable or exposed to risk without adequate support. This can include women and children in situations of violence, refugees or migrants lacking formal protection, or workers without contracts, social safety nets, or sufficient safety measures. The expression appears in journalism, social analysis, and policy discussions to highlight vulnerability and the need for protection.

Desprotegidas can appear in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it may describe individuals without physical protection or guardianship. Figuratively, it can characterize circumstances, institutions, or systems that fail to provide necessary safeguards, such as desprotegidas leyes or desprotegidas comunidades. The antonym is protegidas, referring to those who do have protection or safeguards.

Overall, desprotegidas is a commonly used term in Spanish to denote lack of protection and to draw attention to vulnerable groups or situations requiring support and policy attention.