SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LA GOMERA, 1st March (EUROPA PRESS) –
Anselmo Pestana, the Government’s delegate in the Canary Islands, alongside Island Director Juan Luis Navarro, introduced on Friday an initiative initiated by the Island Directorate of the General Administration of the State in La Gomera. The initiative involves all the local councils of the Colombian Island declaring their dedication against gender violence by placing signs on the access roads to their areas.
The event, held on a road in Agulo municipality, was attended by deputy Esther Rodríguez, the fourth vice president and insular councilor of the Territorial Policy, Environment and Primary Sector Area, Héctor Cabrera, the councilor responsible for Highways in the Cabildo of La Gomera, Aníbal González, and the mayors of San Sebastián de La Gomera, Angélica Padilla; Agulo, Rosa Chinea, and Hermigua, Solveida Clemente. Representing Valle Gran Rey was the delegate councilor for Education and Equality, Youth, Seniors and Citizen Participation, Lorena Damas.
Part of the actions organized by the Insular Directorate during the ‘International Women’s Day’, this initiative aims to amplify the rejection of gender violence while praising the values of the Gomeros and las gomeras and their strong dedication to a world of respect with a coexistence free from sexist stereotypes.
The Government of Spain’s representation on the Colombian island has suggested and encouraged local councils to install signs pledging against gender violence alongside their toponymy on the entry roads to the municipality. Every local council agreed, making La Gomera a region wholly dedicated to combating this issue, as highlighted in a statement by the Government Delegation.
“The Canary Islands once again demonstrate determination and persistence in the fight against gender violence, especially in conveying the message that this problem has no place in our society. We, the Canary Islands, do not tolerate any form of violence against women. La Gomera is leading in making this commitment visible,” the Government delegate stated.
Additionally, he mentioned the signing of police collaboration agreements for victim protection already in place and thanked the local councils for “not hesitating, for demonstrating no tolerance towards sexist violence.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Council for “supporting” the Delegation and “standing together in this endeavour.”
A SHOWCASE OF STATE AND LOCAL ADMINISTRATIONS COLLABORATION
The island director in La Gomera underlined the significance of collaboration and institutional loyalty in carrying out initiatives like this, particularly in smaller territorial areas, where unity is crucial to combat gender violence.
Juan Luis Navarro explained that this project is an example of collaboration between state, island, and municipal institutions, showcasing unity against denial voices trying to be heard, reflecting the strong sentiment of the population against this social issue.
The sentiment is reflected on the signs at the entrance of each municipality on the roadside margins, where one can see ‘municipality committed against gender violence’ on a violet background with white letters.
