Dominican Republic Advances Rural Women Rights at International Conference

The Dominican Republic hosted the International Rural Women Conference 2030 in Santo Domingo, bringing together government officials, international agencies, financial institutions and social organisations from Latin America and the Caribbean. Delegates used the meeting to forge a common agenda for sustainable development, food security, economic autonomy and leadership of women in agriculture. The event concluded a nationwide territorial consultation carried out in the North, South and East regions, whose findings will feed the forthcoming Country Report on the Situation of Rural Women and guide future public policies.

Minister of Women Gloria Reyes said, "Rural women play a fundamental role in the country's development and listening to their voices is essential to build policies that expand their opportunities, economic autonomy and equal participation." Key outcomes included the launch of the Dominican Republic chapter of the Rural Women Network of Latin America and the Caribbean, the creation of a permanent National Coalition of Rural Women, and the presentation of the UN Committee on Food Security’s Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Food Security and Nutrition. The OAS also announced a high‑level training programme for rural women aspiring to political candidacy, aiming to strengthen their leadership and participation in democratic processes.