International IDEA promotes dialogue on equality and empowerment with women leaders from the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé in Panama

An initial dialogue session with women leaders from the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé marked the launch of International IDEA’s Panama programme, “Strengthening Democratic and Effective Governance and Promoting Greater Citizen Participation in the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé,” funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

The event was attended by Congressman Roberto Archibold and brought together fourteen local women leaders from Kankintú, Nedrini, Samboa, Bisira, Silico Creek, Filo Verde, and Guariviara, among other communities. The meeting took place in Rambalá, Chiriquí Grande (Bocas del Toro Province), in northwest Panama.

The session served as a preparatory step for a broader dialogue and upcoming capacity-building workshops. Participants discussed gender parity and equal opportunities from the perspective of the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé, providing valuable input for future project initiatives.

Congressman Roberto Archibold emphasized the importance of women identifying barriers to participation themselves and acknowledged that significant gaps remain.

Alicia del Águila, International IDEA Panama programme manager, introduced key points to guide discussion on gender parity and equal opportunities in the region. Women leaders analysed inequalities in daily life, the workplace, and the political sphere.

This space for exchange and reflection enabled the collection of participants’ experiences, concerns, and proposals—key inputs that will inform the design of upcoming training sessions.