"It's a punishment": Chiloé mayors ask to reverse closure of Rural Women program

Mayors in Chile's Chiloé archipelago are demanding the reversal of the gradual closure of the "Mujeres Rurales" program. The mayors, led by René Garcés, president of the Association of Municipalities of Chiloé, expressed deep concern over the initiative's termination. Garcés described the program's end as a "punishment" for the rural communities it serves.

The "Mujeres Rurales" program was a collaborative effort between INDAP, Chile's agricultural development institute, and PRODEMU, a foundation focused on women's development. This partnership aimed to support and empower rural women through various initiatives and projects.

Authorities highlighted the program's success in working with diverse groups of women across different localities. They specifically mentioned the valuable work done with women in the Chaulinec sector, underscoring the tangible impact the program had on their lives and communities. The mayors are urging a reconsideration of this decision, emphasizing the negative consequences for these women.