Dominican Republic to continue chairing Central American women’s council

Santo Domingo.- Women’s Affairs Minister Gloria Reyes was confirmed as pro tempore president of the Council of Ministers of Women of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMMCA) for the July–December 2026 term during the organization’s LXIV Ordinary Meeting.

The member states unanimously endorsed the Dominican Republic’s continued leadership, citing progress made under Reyes, including stronger regional coordination, expanded strategic partnerships, and greater influence in advancing policies for women, girls, and adolescents.

During the meeting, the Dominican Republic presented its January–June 2026 work plan results, highlighting achievements in institutional strengthening, policy advocacy, and regional collaboration.

COMMCA also approved a strategic policy report to reinforce its role within the Central American Integration System (SICA), focusing on issues such as gender equality, migration, climate justice, the care economy, security, technology, and education.

The council also endorsed a roadmap to monitor and update the implementation of SICA’s Regional Gender Equality and Equity Policy for the 2024–2026 period while preparing the next planning cycle for 2027–2029.

In addition, ministers reviewed progress on the “Safe Mobility: Regional Protocol for Migrant Women” project, funded by the Korea-SICA Cooperation Fund, which aims to strengthen protections and support for migrant women across the region.

The meeting brought together delegations from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, concluding with agreements to strengthen regional cooperation and advance gender equality initiatives.