La Paz City Council Supports 100 Women Caregivers with 1.2 Million Pesos

A New Initiative for Caregivers

The La Paz City Council, led by interim mayor Amor Fenech Montaño, has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting women caregivers. This program, named “La Paz Cuida,” aims to provide financial assistance and resources to 100 women who care for individuals with disabilities, elderly family members, and patients suffering from chronic degenerative diseases. The initiative is a significant step towards recognizing the often-invisible labor of caregivers and supporting their physical and emotional health.

With an investment of 1.2 million pesos from the Fortamun fund, each of the selected beneficiaries will receive 12,000 pesos, distributed in three installments. The program targets women aged between 17 and 73 years residing in various neighborhoods and communities, including El Progreso, Puesta del Sol, and Villas del Encanto. This financial support is intended to alleviate some of the burdens faced by these women as they provide continuous care to their loved ones.

Recognizing the Importance of Caregiving

The women benefiting from this initiative are dedicated caregivers who provide essential support to family members dealing with conditions such as cerebral palsy, intellectual or motor disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and visual impairments. During the launch ceremony, municipal authorities emphasized that the program goes beyond financial aid; it also includes workshops, professional support, and therapeutic circles aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of the caregivers.

"Caring for those who care for us means collectively building a city that makes life a little easier for everyone... We want La Paz to understand that caregiving is a shared responsibility, not just one that bears a woman's face,"

stated Christa González Robinson, director of the Municipal Institute for Women.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the challenges faced by caregivers and to promote gender equity in the distribution of caregiving responsibilities. The city council aims to create a supportive environment where the needs of women are prioritized in public policies.

Building a Supportive Network

Amor Fenech Montaño, the interim mayor, reflected on the evolution of support schemes since the administration of Milena Quiroga Romero. She highlighted the growth of programs aimed at assisting student mothers and caregivers of children with autism, showcasing a commitment to expanding support for vulnerable groups within the community.

"We are focused on building a true support network, one that reminds you that you matter, that your physical and emotional health matters, and that your projects and dreams are important too, because caregiving policies are fundamentally policies of well-being and social justice,"

emphasized Mayor Montaño.

The municipal government reiterated its commitment to placing the needs of women at the center of public policies in La Paz. This includes facilitating access to medical services through the Municipal DIF, providing physiotherapy services in El Piojillo, and enhancing public spaces for community use.

The “La Paz Cuida” program represents a significant step forward in recognizing and supporting the vital role of women caregivers in society. By providing financial assistance and additional resources, the city council aims to empower these women and improve their quality of life, ultimately fostering a more equitable and compassionate community.