SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 14 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, has today welcomed the ten women who will be honoured in the second edition of the Women of Today Awards, organised by the Centre for Initiatives and Tourism (CIT) of Northeast Tenerife.
These professionals, selected from over 130,000 women residing in the municipalities of the region, have been acknowledged for their extraordinary contributions across various sectors including health, sustainability, animal husbandry, winemaking, culture, commerce, and communication.
This event, held at the headquarters of the Tenerife Cabildo, carries significant importance as it coincides with the observance of the International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated tomorrow. In this context, the efforts of farmers, ranchers, and winemakers have been spotlighted, alongside the contributions of all women working in health, culture, commerce, and communication fields, who play a vital role in the holistic development of their localities.
Also present at the ceremony was the vice president and councillor for Social Action, Citizen Participation, Volunteering, and Inclusion of the Cabildo, Águeda Fumero; alongside the island directors of Equality and Diversity and Social Action, Patricia León and Yolanda Baumgartner, who emphasised the crucial role these women have in the advancement of rural Tenerife.
Alongside the mayor of Tacoronte, Sandra Izquierdo, host municipality of the awards, various tourism councillors from the municipalities of La Victoria de Acentejo, La Matanza de Acentejo, El Sauzal, Tacoronte, Tegueste, El Rosario, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Santa Úrsula were also in attendance.
All of these officials backed the selection of these outstanding women, recognising their contributions to the development and welfare of their communities. Representing the CIT were its president Mateo Gutiérrez, along with vice presidents Elena López Melian, Joaquín Ferreira, and Pilar Serrano.
In her address, the president of the Cabildo underscored the significance of highlighting these women, who truly embody “the spirit of our rural areas.” “Today we are giving a voice to ten extraordinary women who, selected from over 130,000, have demonstrated that Tenerife’s future can be reshaped from the rural context. Their efforts, whether in agriculture, winemaking, health, or culture, serve as an inspiration to all generations. Each of them is a cornerstone in their respective municipalities, and today we celebrate their dedication to our land and our people,” she stressed.
Dávila also took the opportunity to remind everyone that this event holds special significance since it is held on the eve of World Rural Women’s Day. She highlighted that “these award-winning women exemplify the struggle and persistence that demonstrate the present and future of Tenerife is in capable hands. The Cabildo will continue to support initiatives that bolster their contributions and bring their significant role in our society to light.”
Conversely, the vice president and councillor for Social Action recognised “the role of women in society, particularly in rural contexts.” Fumero affirmed that “there is no doubt that the conditions of our surroundings shape our personal and professional development; rural spaces present many challenges to surmount.”
Moreover, the Social Action councillor extended support to the women present at the event, stating that “you will find us here to offer opportunities against every challenge,” and aimed to signify “the value of women in social landscapes of rural locales, which are crucial for social and cultural growth.”
AWARD WINNERS AND REPRESENTED SECTORS
The awardees include women acknowledged by their local municipalities, embodying the diversity and impact of various sectors within the rural communities of Tenerife:
– Nieves Rebenaque Tremps, from Tegueste, is a proponent of sustainable livestock farming and has been instrumental in preserving the native Canarian black pig breed.
– María Paz Gil, from Tacoronte, is a notable figure in oenology and viticulture, recognised for her commitment to educating new generations in this vital sector.
– Leocadia Medina Hernández, from El Rosario, has played a crucial role in the meat sector and food distribution, as well as her significant efforts in preserving local folklore.
– Carmen Inés Ruiz de la Rosa, researcher and academic at the University of La Laguna, has been honoured for her initiatives in sustainable development and water management.
– Gracia López Morillo, acknowledged for her contributions to communication, has served as a vital voice for the Canary Islands, connecting individuals to their roots through the media.
– Teresa Feria Rodríguez, from Santa Úrsula, has dedicated 45 years to pharmacy, becoming a cornerstone of health for her community.
– Candelaria Fariña Hernández, from El Sauzal, has promoted culture and events, enriching her municipality’s life for more than 28 years.
– Otilia Díaz Hernández, from La Matanza de Acentejo, has devoted 50 years to street commerce, overcoming challenges with steadfastness and dedication.
– María Candelaria Martín Campos (Candy), from La Victoria de Acentejo, a doctor specialising in Family Medicine, has excelled not only in her medical practice but also in her passion for folklore.
– Beatriz Almeida Martín, from San Cristóbal de La Laguna, has transformed a family restaurant in Anaga into a sustainable venue, showcasing local gastronomy.
