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"It's difficult for us to do politics": Women leaders in Peru strengthen their capabilities at the National Forum of Women Mayors
August 22, 2024
“In Peru, out of more than 1,800 mayoralties nationwide, only 112 are held by women,” says Modesta Yauri Romero, president of the National Association of Women Mayors of Peru. “It's difficult for us to do politics; machismo is still ingrained,” she adds.
Yauri Romero and other provincial and district mayors from 15 regions of the country gathered on August 14 and 15 at the National Forum of Women Mayors: Together We Dialogue and Innovate to Transform Politics, organized in Lima by the National Jury of Elections (JNE), the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), with funding from the European Union (EU).
The event consisted of training sessions aimed at contributing to the political empowerment of local authorities and improving their management skills.
The forum featured presentations by national and international speakers on the progress and challenges in promoting women's political participation at the local level. Additionally, the mayors received technical assistance on investment projects, with the participation of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
“It is important that these meetings help draw attention to women mayors and that they are investing in female authorities in Peru,” comments Yauri Romero, who is also the mayor of the Vilcabamba district in the Pasco region, in central Peru.
Mentorship Program for Women Mayors
At the event, International IDEA presented the Mentorship Program for Women Mayors: Strengthening Decision-Making in Local Public Management. The program aims to train women mayors in strengthening managerial skills, promoting the development of effective public policies, and implementing projects that advance women's political rights. As part of the program, 12 scholarships will be awarded to provincial and district mayors.
“The mentorship program seems very interesting to me, due to the training and topics that will enrich our management. Moreover, it involves professionals with extensive experience. I will definitely apply,” says Linet Novoa Iberico, mayor of Santa Rosa, in the Amazonas region, in the Peruvian jungle.
The forum was organized as part of the Consolidation of Peruvian Democracy project, implemented by International IDEA with funding from the European Union.
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