Santa Cruz de Tenerife 7 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Cabildo de la Gomera observes International Women’s Day by recognising their contributions to society, honouring six women from the island for being paragons of “perseverance and bravery,” in addition to advocating for gender equality and highlighting the role of women with disabilities as symbols of struggle and transformation.
The event was presided over by Casimiro Curbelo, accompanied by the Minister of Social Services, Rosa Elena García; the mayor of San Sebastián de la Gomera, Angélica Padilla, as well as other directors and councillors from the Insular Corporation and representatives from various administrations and associations on the island.
The manifesto, declared by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), was presented by Jennifer Cubas Socas, an educator from the Insular Service of Mental Health. She reaffirmed the entities’ commitment to equality, the advancement of rights, and the empowerment of women and girls.
The document underscored the ongoing pay gap, the inequitable distribution of unpaid work, and the necessity for policies on reconciliation and shared responsibility.
Furthermore, it recommended ensuring quality services, educating on equality, encouraging women’s participation in politics and the economy, and supporting vulnerable groups such as rural women and those with disabilities. Additionally, there was a call for institutional cooperation to create a fairer and more equitable society.
An address titled ‘Women who inspire’ was delivered by María Magdalena Hernández, a user of the Centre for Functional Diversity in Vallehermoso, which focused on women and girls with disabilities who “face dual discrimination and heightened risks of violence and abuse.”
This highlighted the “urgent need for policies that guarantee equal rights across all sectors,” including health, education, and politics. Moreover, it condemned the invisibility of this group, prompting a demand for recognition and representation beyond this date for an inclusive society.
Honouring Six Women
The event celebrated six women from the island who exemplify “perseverance and bravery”: Dolores Ramos Fernández, a resident of Vallehermoso; María Magdalena Hernández, from Valle Gran Rey and a user of the Centre for Functional Diversity; and Margarita Ángeles Mesa, from Alajeró and a user of the day centre of the La Gomera Diversity Association.
The tribute also recognized María Reyes Conrado Herrera, a resident of Agulo and a user of the La Gomera Diversity Association; Carmita Navarro Hernández, a resident of San Sebastián de la Gomera; and Pilar Mora Hernández, a resident of Hermigua and a user of the island’s mental health home service.
Concurrently, the Portico of the Cabildo headquarters hosted the installation of the violet point of the Island Attention Service (SIAM), where service personnel provided information, resources, and guidance.
Additionally, Gomera Crea crafted the mural ‘Equality in a Word’, and attendees were treated to a live performance by violinist HORYS Regal.
Activities
The activities, organised by the Cabildo in collaboration with the Canarian Institute of Equality and various municipalities on the island, are set to continue on Saturday, March 8, across different localities. At 11:00 am, the ‘Women Exhibition’ will be inaugurated in the Plaza de la Encarnación de Hermigua, featuring a performance by saxophonist Domingo Chávez.
Later, at 8:00 pm, the exhibition ‘Exhibition 8 Looks’ will be launched at the House of Culture of Valle Gran Rey. On March 12, the Historical Archive of La Gomera will host a talk titled ‘Subdermal Implants in Gambia’, presented by midwives Isis Pereda and Alicia Molina, starting at 6:00 pm.
Workshops and Awards
As part of the programme, reading workshops, led by writer Daniel de María, will take place on March 28, 29, and 30 at the Pedro García Cabrera Culture House in Vallehermoso, the Cultural Centre ‘El Poso’ in Playa de Santiago, and the Leoncio Bento Auditorium in Agulo, respectively.
According to the island council, all workshops will commence at 6:00 pm.
Furthermore, the Cabildo is collaborating with the organisation of the second edition of the Gara Awards, scheduled for April 4 at the Insular Auditorium, to honour women who have contributed to the advancement of equality.
Additionally, throughout March, the Island Service for Women will conduct talks on equality in schools across the island, and the violet point will have a mobile presence, visiting different municipalities.
