The Adeje council’s department of equality, under councillor Juan Desiderio Afonso Ruiz, is promoting the work of women in all walks of life in the run up to International Women’s Day under the slogan ‘La mitad de todo’ (half of everything), because “women are half of all of what we are, our history would not have happened without the participation of women”.
Throughout the year Adeje council works to keep the work and contribution of women visible in all aspects of our lives, a cross-departmental commitment. “We know today that our world is not black and white, we have to respect and incorporate all the differences in our way of living and recognise the hugely important part women play. Women make up half of the world’s population and even though they might be equal under the law, the data we have shows that there is still a lot to be done to make this a reality”.
As well as the many free training schemes (information on the council webpage,
www.adeje.es,) there is an equality blog, self-defence classes online, different information sections for women in different and potentially difficult situations, including a comprehensive section for women who are victims of domestic violence which is available in English and Spanish. The council also commissioned a large mural, “Valientes, valiosas y visibles” (valiant, valuable, visible) which is on a large wall by the side of the Adeje Cultural Centre.
The council have created a network of ‘violet points’, plaques showing safe spaces for women, and helped create the feminist radio programme, ‘Déjate de Cuentos’, which will be hosting a special live broadcast from Siam Mall on Tuesday March 8th, live on Radio Sur Adeje, 107.9fm.
The department of youth have also been involved, hosting an artistic workshop and an event for young writers with the Arena y Laurisilva federation. And on March 24th the winning students in the annual short story completion on equality matters will be part of a special radio programme in the El Galeón secondary school, featuring their work.
Councillor Afonso Ruiz said, “as part of our training options we have also signed up to the Stand Up campaign created by L’Oreal Paris and the Hollaback non-governmental organisation, which gives women tools and training to stand up to street harassment.
Services
The department of equality’s primary aim is the creation and promotion of local policies and concrete measures to underpin equality of rights and opportunities for men and women, to commit to rights for all those with gender differences, and the prevention of domestic violence.
The department works to inform, train, and offer assistance regarding equality of opportunities to all associations, bodies, businesses and the population in general who need assistance to improve conditions towards a real and effective society where equality is guaranteed in social, political, economic and cultural life. The department also offers professional and trained assistance in many areas including psychological assistance where requested. Information on all services can be found online,
www.adeje.es
