San José del Guaviare, October 30, 2020. As part of the Norway-GGGI-Colombia Green Growth Program Phase II, GGGI and the government of Guaviare marked International Rural Women’s Day on October 29 with the event “Guaviare Es Mujer Rural” – Guaviare for Rural Women. Coming from 11 rural productive associations and cooperatives of the municipalities of Calamar, El Retorno and San José del Guaviare, 33 women representatives were recognized for their important role in agricultural and rural development, environmental protection, human rights promotion, and efforts to end poverty through formal employment in Guaviare.

The event was opened by Governor of Guaviare, Heydeer Palacio Salazar; the Rural Woman Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gina Paola Pérez Soto; and GGGI Colombia’s Country Representative, Carolina Jaramillo; followed by the voices of the women’s associations and presentations by organizations actively strengthening rural women’s livelihoods.

“I want to give a very special thanks to GGGI who, along with our team, made possible this event through their contribution of fundamental resources. The good and unique ties between our departmental administration and non-governmental organizations are what allow the benefit of the community”, Governor Palacio highlighted during his remarks.

In addition, the 33 women were presented with their diplomas certifying their knowledge in green growth and successful completion of the Green Growth Training Modules, a joint initiative of GGGI, the National Planning Department – DNP and financed by UK PACT. Thanks to the support of Angie Rincón, Social Manager of the Government of Guaviare, and the GGGI team, the women overcame any difficulties imposed by the lack of connectivity in their villages.

“The nine modules of the Green Growth course were very important in learning to value what we have from our homes and environment. This was wonderful in our efforts for past and future generations to learn more about improving the quality of life by protecting the environment”, expressed Floralba Quevedo Triviño – manager of the COOMFASOL women’s cooperative.

CR Carolina Jaramillo assured that GGGI will continue to accompany the government in empowering these women, reaffirming GGGI’s support to actions that lead to achieving deforestation control, sustainable development goals and that foster the equal participation of rural women.