The Environmental Culture section of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Environment in Panama East successfully conducted its third gender workshop. The “Woman and Environment” event took place on November 20, 2025, at the Office of the Administrator in Chepo, uniting 37 participants to strengthen women’s roles in ecological protection.
Attendees included a majority of women from key public institutions and local organizations. Representatives came from the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Ministry of Education, the Panamanian Aquatic Resources Authority, the Chepo Municipality, and the United Evangelical Church of Higuera. This diverse gathering highlighted a cross-sectoral commitment to integrating gender perspectives into environmental action. The regional directorate organized the workshop to promote female empowerment within society and encourage sustainable daily practices.
Fostering Leadership and Practical Skills
Workshop activities were designed to be both informative and hands-on. Presentations focused on the measurable impact women have in environmental management and their established leadership in community initiatives. Participants then engaged in creative craft sessions using recycled materials, a practical method for learning about reuse and waste reduction. Another segment, dedicated to “eco-ideas,” generated practical solutions for saving water and energy.
“This initiative reaffirms our regional directorate’s commitment to gender equality and sustainability,” a Ministry of Environment official said. [Translated from Spanish] “We are creating participatory spaces that contribute to the comprehensive development of our communities.”
The workshop directly tackles the intersection of social and environmental issues. By empowering women with knowledge and skills, the ministry aims to create a broader network of environmental stewards. These community leaders can then implement local projects focused on conservation and responsible resource use. The emphasis on practical, at-home solutions for solid waste management ensures the workshop’s lessons have an immediate application.
This event represents an ongoing effort by Panamanian authorities to link gender empowerment with ecological goals. The regional office plans to continue this series of workshops, building on the momentum from this third session. Future events will likely expand to reach more communities throughout Panama East, further cementing the role of women as key agents of environmental change.