A symposium titled “Voces que Inspiran, Mujeres que Lideran y Transforman” was held at the Santa Mariana de Jesús School Theater in Loja. The event was organized by the District of Education, Sport and Culture of Loja to highlight and strengthen women’s leadership in various sectors of society. It brought together 450 students from 14 local educational institutions, along with officials, teachers, and community leaders to discuss gender equity challenges and achievements.
Joaquín Zury Cueva, a student and president of the Student Council at Unidad Educativa Antonio Peña Celi, opened the event with remarks titled “Mujer, tú eres hermosa.” He stated: “No es una fiesta. Hoy es un día para recordar… a las mujeres que lucharon por el respeto, la justicia y la igualdad,” emphasizing the courage of women who have faced discrimination.
Alexandra Jara, governor of Loja province, addressed the impact of female leadership in politics. She said: “Lo que debemos enfocarnos es en esa correcta relación entre hombre y mujer en el plano social,” highlighting that historically human rights were considered only from a male perspective.
Johanna Sánchez, director of Education for the Loja District, spoke about challenges and opportunities for women in education. She paid tribute to teachers who balance work and family responsibilities: “A veces nos toca como docentes dejar de lado a veces nuestras actividades de familia para poder seguir acompañando con el mismo cariño… a nuestros estudiantes,” noting that soft skills and values like sensitivity are important contributions from women.
The symposium also included participation from young people representing indigenous nationalities. Kerly Dayana Balverde Saca from Unidad Educativa Comunitaria Intercultural Bilingüe “Mushuk Rimak” discussed her vision for life focused on spirituality and respect for nature: “futuro espiritual, de respeto a la Pachamama, de respeto a yo misma. Rompiendo esquemas, desafiando prejuicios.” She recognized ongoing efforts to overcome inequalities despite progress in science and technology.
Dayana Liseth Chalán Lozano from Unidad Educativa Comunitaria Intercultural Bilingüe “Manuel Macas Minga” concluded with: “Ser mujer indígena no es una limitación, es una fortaleza. Representamos cultura, historia, resistencia y sabiduría ancestral. Nuestra identidad no nos limita, nos impulsa.”
Organizers described the symposium as an important intergenerational and intercultural meeting space that underscored women’s empowerment as essential for regional development.
