Promoting gender parity and political participation of indigenous women in the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca

The event is part of the project "Strengthening Democratic and Effective Governance and a More Participatory Citizenship in the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca", implemented by International IDEA with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

The dialogue brought together Elena Cruz Guerra, General Chief of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca; Roberto Archibold, member of the National Assembly; and women leaders from communities across the region. International IDEA was represented by Alicia del Águila, Programme Manager in Panama, and Susana Araúz, Project Associate.

During the session, Alicia del Águila presented findings from preliminary consultations conducted in Chiriquí Grande, Bocas del Toro. The discussions examined key barriers and challenges that continue to limit women’s full exercise of their rights and participation in political and public life in the comarca, Panama, and Latin America more broadly.

The dialogue was opened by Ngäbe-Buglé leader Toribia Venado, who emphasized the importance of achieving fair, effective, and equal representation of women in decision-making spaces. Participants then worked in groups to develop concrete recommendations aimed at promoting gender parity and increasing women’s representation in the comarca’s governance structures.

As part of the event, Susana Araúz conducted a survey to identify participants’ priorities for capacity-building and skills-development activities. The results will inform the design of a workshop scheduled for September, ensuring that its methodology and content respond directly to the needs and interests expressed by the participants.

Discussions continued throughout the evening, focusing on the ongoing reform of the Comarca’s Charter. Among the key proposals that emerged were the establishment of a Permanent Commission on Women’s Issues within the General Congress and the formal incorporation of the principle of gender parity in all electoral processes and administrative appointments within the comarca.

These proposals represent a significant step toward strengthening indigenous women’s political participation and ensuring their voices are more fully represented in decision-making processes within the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca.