In an event that celebrated the resilience, leadership, and empowerment of women, Área Mujer hosted a special meeting with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú. The event brought together distinguished women leaders from Paraguay to engage in a meaningful dialogue on social change, solidarity, and the vital role of women in society.
Área Mujer is a joint effort of Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and Global Peace Women Paraguay that focuses on supporting, training, and empowering women while making their contributions visible to society. Each year, the organization honors women who have made significant impacts in their areas of expertise. The women in attendance were introduced as representatives of various sectors of Paraguayan society, each contributing profoundly to their respective fields. This meeting provided a platform for these women to share their experiences and achievements with Rigoberta Menchú, fostering an exchange of ideas and mutual inspiration.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchú (center) with Global Peace Women delegates
Among the notable attendees was Cintia Figueredo, the current Minister of Women, who shared her journey from an electoral official to a leader in advocating for women’s political participation. Other prominent figures included Sani Romero de Velázquez, Rector of the Mexican Public University Asunción, who emphasized the positive synergy generated by Paraguayan women; María Angélica Cano Radil, a longtime activist for democracy and freedom, who reflected on the importance of representing diverse perspectives in democracy; and Lieutenant Diana Ortiz, who acknowledged the role of GPF in her professional development and societal impact.
The meeting also featured voices from various fields in academia, social work, and healthcare. Margarita Piro, a teacher and historian, spoke on the need for equitable education for indigenous peoples. Rosa Martínez, a leader in the Parliamentary Front against Hunger, discussed her commitment to social work and hunger alleviation. Joni Calderón, a journalist and director of the foundation Adoption Parents and Children of the Heart, highlighted the challenges and efforts in promoting adoption in Paraguay.
A highlight of the event was the presence of Rigoberta Menchú, who shared her wisdom and experiences with the attendees. Menchú’s advocacy for fundamental rights and freedoms for indigenous people resonated deeply with the participants, many of whom have dedicated their lives to similar causes. Her visit highlighted the global nature of the struggle for women’s rights and social equality, connecting the local efforts in Paraguay to broader international movements.
The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude and a renewed commitment to the causes discussed. The attendees left with a sense of solidarity, inspired by Menchú’s visit and the shared experiences of their peers. This gathering not only honored the achievements of these remarkable women but also reinforced the importance of collective action in advancing social change and gender equality and the power of women coming together to share, learn, and inspire one another.
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