The Farmer's Monument, a symbol of the island's identity and effort, was the setting for the recognition on the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women and the Sea, which is commemorated every October 15. In an act full of emotion and gratitude, the Cabildo of Lanzarote paid tribute to eight women of different generations who, throughout their lives, have been and are fundamental to the development of agriculture, livestock and fishing, both in Lanzarote and in La Graciosa.
The event, presided over by the president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, was attended by public representatives from the island's municipalities, as well as family, friends and professionals from the primary sector, who wanted to support the honorees and highlight the incalculable value of their work.
The day began with a musical performance by the parranda Los Gurfines son los del Puerto, whose interpretation created the ideal atmosphere for the screening of a video that included the first-person testimony of each of the women recognized on this Day of Intervention of Rural Women. This audiovisual moved both the protagonists and the audience present, transmitting a personal story based on their tireless dedication and daily sacrifice in the field and at sea.
The honorees, who received an award in recognition of their dedication, were: Yazmina Gutiérrez Sicilia, fisherwoman from Arrecife; Enriqueta Romero Betancort, a prominent figure in the rural sector of La Graciosa; Alexandra González Viera, livestock farmer and cheese producer in Haría; Argelia Machín de León, farmer in San Bartolomé; Olivia Suárez García, farmer in Teguise; Josefina Bonilla Bonilla, agricultural worker in Tías; María Guerra Martín, young poultry farmer from Tinajo; and María Jesús Tavío Tavío, livestock farmer and cheese producer in Yaiza.
During his speech, President Oswaldo Betancort highlighted the importance of these women as guardians of the island's traditions. "Today we not only celebrate their achievements, but also their ability to keep alive the legacy of past generations. Their work in the fields and at sea demonstrates that these sectors also belong to women. They have made it possible for our agriculture, livestock and fishing to remain fundamental pillars of the development of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. They are a living example for future generations," he said.
Oswaldo Betancort also highlighted the value of the role of rural women not only in economic sustainability, but also in the preservation of the island's cultural heritage, "sowing the future with their effort and dedication", thanking all of them, the human team of the Cabildo's Agricultural Farm, and an entire sector "that needs, more than ever, efficient and collaborative public management, where all institutions must go hand in hand", he concluded.
To conclude the event, held to reaffirm the commitment of the Cabildo of Lanzarote to gender equality in the primary sector and to highlight the crucial role played by women in the sustainable development of the island, the parranda Los Gurfines son los del Puerto took the stage again, closing the day with a musical tribute to all the rural and sea women of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.