SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Nov. 9 (EUROPA PRESS) –
This Friday afternoon, the Auditorium of Tenerife hosted a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the Gender Violence Unit of the Cabildo.
The vice president, Lope Afonso, along with the councillor for Social Action, Águeda Fumero, welcomed over 200 attendees at the event, where 30 public and professional organisations engaged in tackling gender violence were acknowledged.
In his speech, Lope Afonso reaffirmed “the Cabildo’s commitment to victims of gender violence,” emphasising that they will “keep working” to provide all necessary resources and foster partnerships aimed at enhancing preventive measures and the quality of support services.
Afonso highlighted that “this is an issue that affects society as a whole, and everyone must be part of the solution,” a sentiment echoed by Minister of Social Action, Águeda Fumero, who underscored the necessity “of collective commitment to create a fairer society.”
Fumero reflected on the social context surrounding the establishment of the Organic Gender Violence Unit, noting how “women were confronting a reality vastly different from today’s,” and how it was women linked to social movements and the third sector, as well as those in political roles, who advocated for the inclusion of a dedicated Gender Violence Unit within the IASS organisational framework.
The Minister of Social Action stated that, twenty years on, it can be asserted that the achievements made during this period “are the fruits of the efforts of numerous individuals,” although they remain “aware” that “uniting political will and technical expertise is still vital.”
The island’s budget dedicated to combating gender violence has seen a 7% increase this term, which has resulted in a rise in accommodation network capacity and an enhanced response to the needs of users.
In 2024, the Cabildo plans to introduce a new DEMA and CAI Service, expand regional offices, and establish a comprehensive care team for female victims and survivors of gender violence in rural areas, alongside services like professional supervision for cases of vicarious and sexual violence as well as an examination of the prevalence of cyber violence in Tenerife.
During the event commemorating the 20th anniversary, the Cabildo formally recognised public and professional entities that “have contributed to the creation of a more equitable society” over the past two decades.
Acknowledgements were given to the municipalities of La Victoria, Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Úrsula, San Miguel, Candelaria, La Laguna, Tacoronte, La Matanza, La Orotava, Icod, Los Silos, and Arona.
The contributions of various professionals and organisations were also celebrated for their long-standing dedication and the implementation of exemplary practices.
