March 8: the Legislature joins the activities for International Women’s Day
Published on March 8, 2024
It was a meeting to reflect on the challenges and achievements of women in leadership roles in the workplace. The Minister of Security and Justice, Dr. Mercedes Rus, spoke; the General Defender of the Public Ministry of Defense, Cecilia Saint André; and the Rector of UNCuyo, Esther Sánchez.
Within the framework of “Women’s Month”, the Mendoza Legislature was the scene of a meeting that brought together prominent government, judicial and academic authorities, to reflect on work realities from a gender perspective.
The initiative was promoted by the Vice Governor of the province, Hebe Casado, and organized by the Directorate of Institutional Relations and the School of Government of the Chamber of Senators, headed by Emiliana Lilloy, and had the participation of various figures from the field. political and social of the Province.
The event had the prominent presence of three women leaders, who shared their experiences and visions on the subject: the Minister of Security and Justice of the province, Dr. Mercedes Rus; the General Defender of the Public Ministry of Defense, Cecilia Saint André; and the Rector of the National University of Cuyo, Esther Sánchez.
Among the personalities present, undersecretaries and officials of the Executive Branch stood out; provincial legislators; magistrates and officials of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Public Ministry of Defense; as well as authorities from the academic field and intermediate civil entities.
Among them, senators Natacha Eisenchlas, Yamel Ases, Laura Sainz; the senator and Provisional President of the Senate, Martín Kerchner Tomba; and the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Andrés Lombardi, among others.
During the meeting, exhibitions were held where participants were able to share their perspectives and strategies to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in different areas of Mendoza society.
Hebe Casado began the long-awaited women’s meeting from the Casa Rosada, where she regretted her physical absence, due to her participation in the governors’ meeting convened by the National Executive. Despite this, Casado sent her words of support and recognition to all the women present at the event.
“I would have liked to be there today with all of you, working together in this forum where women who participate in the academic, judicial and governmental spheres come together,” said Casado, highlighting the importance of this meeting as a space for reflection and female empowerment. .
The lieutenant governor emphasized the ability of women to overcome obstacles and achieve ambitious goals, highlighting that each of them is a fighter who has broken the glass ceiling. “I fully trust that they will also be a bridge so that other women can follow their path,” she said.
The president also highlighted the responsibility of women who occupy leadership and decision-making roles to open paths for other women, promoting gender equality in all areas of society. “We have the responsibility to open paths and we have to be aware and responsible when executing those actions,” she emphasized.
In a message of hope and encouragement, the lieutenant governor urged all women to continue forward in pursuit of their goals, reminding them that they are not alone on their path. “It’s a matter of setting the goal and opening paths for other women,” she concluded.
Subsequently, the Rector of the National University of Cuyo, Esther Sanchez, began the interventions highlighting the importance of reflection and awareness on this emblematic day. “It is a day to make visible what happens to women, and in reality what happens to women in some way has to do with a culture,” said Sanchez, underlining the need to work on a cultural change that promotes gender equality in all areas.
For her part, the Minister of Security and Justice of Mendoza, Mercedes Rus, emphasized the importance of overthrowing gender paradigms and promoting a more egalitarian society. “I celebrate that my daughter lives in a world where women are not the ones rescued, where women have the strength and ability to occupy roles of power,” said Rus, also highlighting the progress made in the representation of women in positions of power. leadership, but recognizing that there is still much to do in terms of real equality.
Finally, the General Defender of the Public Ministry of Defense, Cecilia Saint André, reflected on the historical struggle of women for their rights and the current challenges they face in the search for equality. “Women’s rights are human rights,” said Saint André, urging us to continue working to eradicate gender violence and build a more inclusive and fair society for all.
The words of these three officials resonated among the attendees, generating an environment of reflection and commitment to the feminist cause in the province of Mendoza. Their interventions highlighted the importance of continuing to work together to achieve full gender equality and build a more equitable future for all women.
The closing was led by Dr. Emiliana Lilloy, Director of the Institutional Relations and School of Government area of the Chamber of Senators, who invited Dr. Daniela García, Chief of Staff of the DGE, to communicate the opening of registrations for the “Micaela Law” course.
Strategies and perspectives for the future in government, judicial and academic sectors.
It is a day that transcends the merely commemorative, as it brings together women to explore and reaffirm the value of March 8 as a day of demand and fight for gender equality. That is why today, different perspectives and experiences were shown, with the intention of showing the multiple realities that women face in various areas, focusing today on work spaces, specifically in government agencies, in the judicial system and in the field. academic.
It is crucial to recognize that women have made significant progress in these sectors, occupying authority, leadership and decision-making roles. However, challenges and obstacles still persist that limit their full participation and recognition in these spheres.
In government, women leaders often face entrenched institutional barriers and gender biases that hinder their ability to influence and lead effectively. Despite advances in female representation in politics, the gender gap remains evident at many levels of government.
In the judicial system, women have achieved high-ranking positions, demonstrating their competence and dedication in the application of the law and the administration of justice. However, challenges remain regarding equal opportunities, pay equity, and access to leadership positions within this field.
In the academic field, they occupy prominent roles as researchers, professors and institutional leaders. However, female representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields remains low, reflecting structural and cultural inequalities that require continued attention.
In this conversation, the commitment to analyze and address these issues in a comprehensive manner was highlighted, recognizing the importance of creating spaces for meeting, communication and visibility that promote gender equality at all levels and sectors of society. On International Women’s Day, participating women made a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.