Last Friday, March 7th, the emblematic Islote de Fermina hosted the I Jornadas Voces de Mujer, a space dedicated to giving visibility and voice to the stories of women who face unique and profound challenges in their daily lives. The event, organized on the occasion of International Women's Day, brought together a diverse audience committed to equality, social justice, and work-life balance.
During the day, four living stories were shared that highlighted the complex situation experienced by women who care for dependent children and women with disabilities. These stories, full of resilience and strength, highlighted the labor, social, economic, and emotional barriers that these women face, as well as the lack of recognition and support from institutions and society in general.
We had the collaboration of the Department of Tourist Centers of Lanzarote and the Area of Social Welfare of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Guio Santana (Canarian artist), and different associations, which participated with Bethania Cabezas, president of the Association La Miel de vida (Tenerife), Lilian Hidalgo Cárdenes and Cristina María Jorge Guerra representing the Association of Rare Diseases D'Genes Canarias.
One of the most impactful testimonies was that of a caregiver mother, who recounted the daily challenges of raising a child with severe dependency, highlighting the lack of resources and the physical and emotional toll that her work entails.
Another moving story was that of two women each of whom lives with seven rare diseases, who shared their struggle for inclusion and autonomy in a world that is not yet fully adapted to their needs, just as the struggle for the adaptation of deaf people in a world insensitive to this group was spoken very loudly.
Among the proposals, the need to implement public policies that recognize and support caregivers was highlighted, as well as the importance of promoting universal accessibility and full inclusion of women with disabilities and the recognition of women and mothers caring for dependents for the great work they contribute to our society.
The event concluded with a call to action, inviting society to reflect on these realities and work collectively to build a more just and egalitarian world. The Voces de Mujer Conference not only served as a space for denunciation but also as a tribute to the strength and daily struggle of these women.
From the ASC Canaria Mujeres sin Sombra, it was announced that these will be held annually in the week of Women's Day, and thus continue to make visible and transform the realities of the most vulnerable women.