Colombia.-The case involving the then-acting Vice Minister of Equality in charge of Excluded Populations and Territories, Acxan Duque Gámez, has not only led to his departure from the position, but has also revived the discussion in Colombia about the mechanisms for prevention and response to harassment in workplaces, especially within public institutions.
The controversy came to light after Senator and presidential candidate Paloma Valencia denounced that the official had sent an intimate image without consent to a subordinate. According to the version presented, the affected party filed a complaint with the Convivencia Committee, alleging discomfort and a clear transgression of professional boundaries.
Following the dissemination of the case, Duque Gámez submitted his resignation, assuring that the content sent was directed to his romantic partner. However, he chose to step down from his duties to face the process. At the same time, the Ministry of Equality and Equity reported that the event was referred to the Attorney General’s Office and the Procurator’s Office, while internal victim protection protocols were activated.
The official pronouncement by Minister Lucho Acosta emphasized a “zero tolerance” stance against any form of violence against women, highlighting the importance of ensuring safe work environments free from abuse of power.
Beyond the specific case, the situation has generated political and social reactions, highlighting tensions surrounding the institutional handling of harassment complaints and the role of the State in the effective protection of victims. From different sectors, there is an insistence on the need for these processes to not only move forward quickly, but also to set clear precedents that strengthen trust in the institutions.
The episode adds to other recent questions about gender-based violence in the public sphere, again placing at the center of the debate the urgency of more solid policies and concrete actions to prevent this type of behavior in Colombia.
