On October 15 and 16, the 1st Conference on Equality and Against Violence Against Women was held in Lanzarote, organized by the Island Directorate of the General State Administration in Lanzarote.
The meeting was inaugurated by the Island Director, Pedro Viera, and by Alberto García, Coordinator of the Units against Violence against Women of the Canary Islands, bringing together representatives of public institutions, security forces, legal, health and social professionals, as well as entities and associations committed to the eradication of gender violence.
These conferences are born with the aim of fostering encounters, promoting inter-institutional collaboration, creating synergies, and acting in a coordinated manner against the injustices suffered by women who are victims of gender violence.
"These conferences represent a firm step in consolidating joint work between administrations, professionals, and civil society. Only through cooperation can we move towards a more just and egalitarian society," said Pedro Viera, Island Director of the General State Administration in Lanzarote.
She further added "the need to continue investing in direct resources for victims, especially in psychological care, where waiting lists are still a reality that we must address with determination."
During the two days, the attendees, many of them with extensive experience in the care and protection of victims, participated in presentations, debates, and spaces for reflection focused on an intervention approach that places the victim at the center of public action.
The program began with a presentation by the Provincial Prosecutor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Andrés Velasco Hernández, who offered an exhaustive analysis of the criminal treatment of gender violence and the application of the Comprehensive Law on Sexual Freedom.
Subsequently, the lawyer and activist Loueila Sid Ahmed Ndiaye addressed the violence experienced by migrant women, highlighting the need for an intersectional perspective and inclusive policies that respond to their realities.
The second day opened with a speech by the Provincial Prosecutor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Marta Dávila de León, focused on the protection of children against violence as a priority obligation of public authorities.
Next, the chief inspector of the Family and Women's Care Unit (UFAM), María Mayordomo Anguiano, presented the important work carried out by the Police.
National in the prevention and investigation of crimes related to gender violence, sexual violence, and violence against minors.
For her part, Olga María Betancor Tabares, Head of the Unit against Violence against Women in Lanzarote, highlighted "the importance of strengthening the networks of work and mutual support between professionals and administrations, because only through effective coordination can we offer a comprehensive and effective response."
She added that "attention to victims requires sensitivity, resources, and constant training, but above all, human commitment and empathy to accompany women in their recovery and empowerment process."
The sessions saw high participation and very positive feedback from the attendees. Participants included representatives from the National Police, Local Police, SIAM, municipal social services, Equality councils, the Penitentiary Center, the 24-hour Crisis Center, RAM, the Mararía Association, Doctors of the World, +Familia, and the tourist guide collective, among others.
Coinciding with the International Day of Rural Women, the opening of the conference paid tribute to the rural and coastal women of Lanzarote, recognizing their fundamental role in the social transformation of the island.
"They are brave and hardworking women who made it possible for our society to be more open, more supportive, and more egalitarian today," concluded Pedro Viera.
