Minister for Women: "After 200 years, we have a female president"

Nancy Tolentino is the current Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations; he took office in the middle of the violent protests in our country that have left civilians and police officers dead. He tells Perú21 the first actions his sector has taken in the first month of his administration.

What is the new protocol to assist women and vulnerable populations in the midst of protests about?

We have a protocol that has been approved for joint and multisectoral action to safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable populations; of women mainly in a situation of intervention, police detention or retention. We have witnessed what happened in San Marcos, there was a vulnerable population, and in this sense the State reacts promptly.

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How is it executed?

For example, if there is intervention by the Police and there are children who are within these demonstrations, the PNP must prevent this girl or boy from being with the adults in the marches. For this, it will coordinate with professionals from the Demuna to see the case of children or the unit for the protection of women and vulnerable populations. If it is a population that speaks native languages, such as Quechua or Aymara, we will immediately coordinate with the Ministry of Culture where we have professionals who speak these languages and thus be the authorized interpreter. The same will happen with the elderly or people with disabilities. Always protecting your rights.

It is known that there are groups that arrived in Lima and no longer have a way to return. What measures are being taken?

I have just met with the Ombudsman and we are both going to coordinate to locate and take joint action so that the population that has been stranded in the capital, and who wishes to return to their region, can do so. I believe that we have all the disposition to help them to a good return. Inabif is already working on it to offer them support.

There is a video posted on peru21.pe of a clown forcing a group of children to say offensive political messages. What actions have they taken?

We are denouncing the risk exposure of our girls and boys who have been involved in the marches against their will or who are used in this way. Girls and boys are subjects of law and we all have to protect their normal development, they cannot be forced or manipulated or induced to pronounce on issues that are beyond their age. Misrepresenting and violating their right to their normal education is condemnable. In the case of the clown, we are trying to identify the person in order to file a criminal complaint against him.

What other cases have been registered?

We have made two criminal complaints against the people who have taken girls and boys to the marches against their will, and in the other case of a child who speaks making this type of harangue (“Dina Asesina”). It will be up to the Prosecutor’s Office to determine the responsibilities. I call on parents that children have to be protected, they are subjects of law, not an object.

What is the way out of the crisis?

I am confident that Congress will rise to the occasion, it is up to them to work hard to resolve the dates for these elections and to abandon any particular interest. The resignation of President Boluarte does not solve anything, it depends on the congressmen.

Is there self-criticism?

At some point, President Boluarte has made her self-criticism about her first interventions. I believe that like all human beings we are susceptible to making a mistake in what we speak, omit or do. We are trying to correct with actions. Today we have the threat of natural risks and we are working together to be close to the population; The construction of health establishments is speeding up.

What is President Boluarte trying to correct?

I think there is a much harsher judgment when one is a woman. It has been difficult for women in this country to open the way for political participation and achieve parity and alternation, as well as assume positions by popular decision. I think those looks at the president’s performance are sexist. It is very strong to have a female president after 200 years of democratic life; and she is put on trial at a very difficult juncture. Not only because of the post-pandemic but a level of citizen insecurity on a daily basis. I would like to ask you not to expect perfection, we are not perfect beings. Today we need all international cooperation, civil society and academic researchers to specify the next steps.