Gloria Reyes, Minister of Women, put into perspective the progress made in terms of female political participation with data extracted from the elections held in 2024, which cite that 9,167 women ran for popular election positions, equivalent to 43% of the candidacies; while 1,226 were elected, occupying nearly 49% of the positions. The figure takes on a historical significance if we remember that just 84 years ago Dominicans exercised the right to vote for the first time.
You can also read: Abinader awards the Medal of Merit to Women to 16 Dominican women
Outstanding Women in this 41st Edition of the Dominican Women’s Merit Medal Outstanding women were recognized for their contributions in various fields of national life. Among the awardees are Alba Carolina Vásquez Almonte, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Cleotilde Margarita Cordero Guerrero, in Communication and Journalism; Yudelina Mejía Peguero, in Sports; and Ertuania Jorge Mencía, as Outstanding Dominican Abroad. Similarly, Ginette Bournigal was distinguished in Political Participation; Yildalina Noemí Tatem Brache, in Promotion of Gender Equality; Rosanna Guillermina Santana Martínez, in Promotion of Inclusion; Carmen Cristina De Aza Mejía, in the Education Sector; and Luisa Marisela Valdez Aguasvivas, in the Business Sector. Also received the state distinction María Josefina Mejía de Sosa, in the Financial Sector; Eunisis Vásquez Acosta, in the Judicial Sector; Elsa Johanne Sánchez Ramírez, in the Rural Sector; Nalini Campillo Vilorio, Health Sector; Angie Shakira Martínez Tejera, Diplomatic Service; and María Susana de Jesús Gautreau de Windt, Public Service. Also recognized were Camila Ramona Díaz Cuello, in Union and Trade Union Career; Dominga Zorrilla Domínguez, in Professional Career; Aldaleny Correa Liranzo, Religious Career; Arisleida José Ortega, Social and Community Career; Mérida Franchesca Carina Noble Ureña, in the Cultural and Artistic Field; and Ana Lidia Gerónimo Félix de Rodríguez, in the Military or Police Field. During the ceremony, a posthumous recognition was also granted to the feminist and human rights defender, Zobeyda Alejandrina Cepeda Peña, as well as special recognitions to Enerolisa Núñez (posthumous), Peggy Cabral, Amanda Castillo Levison, Nuria Sallent Surribas and Carmen Enicia Chevalier Caraballo, for their contributions to the promotion of women’s rights and their impact in different areas of national life. The activity served as a stage to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Minerva Mirabal, a symbol of resistance to the iron dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo and a historical reference in the fight for freedom. Her legacy was presented as a current inspiration for the new generations of Dominicans who continue to pave the way in the public, social, and economic life of the country. The day concluded with the presentation of a moving recognition to Minerva Mirabal, which was received by Minou Tavárez Miraval. The distinction endorsed by decree 30-13 is awarded each year within the framework of the March 8th commemorations, and on this occasion, it registered a wide participation, with 250 women nominated in 22 categories, reflecting the diversity of female leadership that contributes to the social, economic, cultural, and community development of the Dominican Republic.“Each generation has a task with democracy and ours is to ensure that equality ceases to be an aspiration to become a reality,” he expressed.
