Mexico City, March 8, 2025.Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to gender equity and human dignity by organizing the first International Congress on Person-Centered Feminism International Congress on Person-Centered Feminism.. This event, held at the Mixcoac, Mexico City campus, was promoted by the Interdisciplinary Group for Feminist Studies (GIEF) of the Panamericana of Panamericana in collaboration with the School of Philosophy and the Institute of Humanities.
During the congress, 10 panel discussions were held with national and international experts, addressing key issues such as the solidary root of hope in women, the personal ontological condition and its relationship with motherhood, the dignity of women, and the the personal ontological condition and its relationship with motherhood, the dignity of women, as well as the role of women in the development of the family, the role of the family in the family, and the role of women in the family.as well as the impact of person-centered feminism in the contemporary world..
An inclusive and hopeful feminism
During the inauguration, Dr. Fernanda Dr. Fernanda Llergo Bay, Rector General of the UP-IPADE system, highlighted: "It is essential to generate deep dialogues that strengthen a comprehensive vision of feminism, centered on the person and away from reductionist positions. The Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to the search for truth and the promotion of critical thinking that values the dignity of every person"said Dr. Llergo.
For his part, Dr. Santiago García Álvarez Dr. Santiago García Álvarezrector of the Mexico City campus, emphasized that the university must continue to be a space for dialogue and critical reflection: "This congress is a space to reaffirm the inalienable value of women and their contribution to society, from a vision that respects their essence and freedom. It is essential that we continue to promote these academic meetings, since only through dialogue and reflection can we build a more just and equitable society".
The solidary root of hope
The event was attended by academics from prestigious institutions such as the Pontificia Universidad de la Santa Cruz, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Universidad Panamericana. Pontificia Universidad de la Santa Cruz, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Universidad Panamericana..
At the Dialogue Table The Solidarity Root of Hope in the Voices of Contemporary Women Thinkersmoderated by Anita Cadavid of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome, explored the role of the university as an agent of social change and the importance of hope. the role of the university as an agent of social change and the importance of hope in the construction of a feminist centeredness. in the construction of a person-centered feminism. The panelists highlighted the need for education that promotes gender equity and social justice.
Elena Colombetti, of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, stressed that. "hope is not only a human disposition, but a structural reality linked to our very nature.". She also stressed the importance of the ethics of care and the relationship with others as a basis for social justice.
Ana Fernández, from the GIEF, spoke about the importance of relationships and plurality in the construction of hope, stating that that "man in isolation cannot reach a better future precisely because he does not have all the resources.".
Cecilia Coronado, also from GIEF, emphasized the need to "overcome the dichotomy between equality and difference. "overcoming the dichotomy between equality and difference"in feminism, proposing a model where "care relations and vulnerability are recognized not as an exception, but as the very basis of social coexistence.".
The panelists agreed that hope is a fundamental pillar for feminism, and that the university should be a space where dialogue, critical reflection and the construction of a more just and equitable future are encouraged.
Metaphysical foundations for feminism.
On the panel table Personal Ontological Condition. Metaphysical Bases for Person-Centered Feminism.moderated by Viviana Gonzálezof the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, explored the philosophical and metaphysical foundations underpinning person-centered feminism, with a focus on human dignity and personal identity.
Juliana Peiró, of the Centro de Investigación en Humanidades Hápax, Mexico, emphasized that. "the dignity of the human individual is inherent to human nature because it is a personal, unique and unrepeatable nature.". In addition, he affirmed that "the person is a relational being, capable of loving and transcending, and his dignity lies in his capacity for otherness".
Giannina Orejel, of GIEF, stressed that. "person-centered feminism is critical and hopeful, because it trusts in the human capacity to find creative solutions to complex problems.". She also emphasized that "women are free and relational beings, whose dignity does not depend on social or economic conditions, but on their personal nature.".
Mariana Flores, of GIEF, reflected on the importance of understanding women not only as "the female individual of a species" but also as "the female individual of a species. as "the female individual of a species", but also as "the female individual of a species", but also as "the female individual of a species".but as "a person who realizes her nature in a unique and unrepeatable way"..
The participants agreed that person-centered feminism must start from an ontological understanding that recognizes the inherent dignity of each human being, his or her capacity for relationship and freedom to define his or her own path.
Motherhood in political and socioeconomic debates
Paola Binetti, professor emeritus of the University Campus Biomedico in Rome, presented the topic: The role of motherhood and its link with current issues, in the economic, social and political fields. She addressed the challenges faced by women regarding motherhood, especially in a social and economic context that often penalizes this choice.
The panelists discussed how motherhood, far from being an obligatory destiny, should be a free and sustainable option, supported by public policies and a cultural change. Binetti stressed that motherhood should not be seen as an obstacle, but as a free and sustainable choice, a good for society as a whole.
Teresa Villanueva, from GIEF, addressed motherhood from a biological and social perspective: "Motherhood is not just an instinct, but an experience traversed by cultural, social and psychological factors."
While Diana Ibarra, from GIEF reflected on the need for work-family reconciliation policies: "No woman should be forced to choose between her professional career and motherhood.". She also emphasized that "support for motherhood should not only be economic, but also psychological and social, so that it becomes a positive experience and not a burden".
Reflection on virtue, dignity and combating gender violence
At the table The Teaching of Virtue and the Importance of Dignity in the Fight against Gender ViolenceDr. Teresa Compte, of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile, emphasized the need to recognize that violence is a disabling phenomenon that affects not only the direct victims, but society as a whole.. "The first duty of justice towards those who have suffered injustice is the recognition of their dignity," she said.he said.
While Dora Navarro, from GIEF, stressed that the fight against gender violence requires a profound change in cultural paradigms. "As long as the ways of thinking and social structures that perpetuate these injustices are not transformed, no legislation will be sufficient to guarantee a dignified life for all women.".
Similarly, moderator Lucía Molatore, academic and activist, emphasized the importance of joint action between civil society, educational institutions and the government sector to eradicate gender-based violence at its root. "It is not enough to theorize about justice, we must translate these reflections into concrete actions that generate real change ", he stressed.
A legacy for the future
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Alberto Ross Hernández Dr. Alberto Ross Hernándezdirector of the Institute of Humanities, highlighted the growth of the GIEF and its role in the production of feminist knowledge with an interdisciplinary approach. "This congress is a testimony of serious and committed academic work for a cause that challenges us all", said Dr. Ross.
Finally, Dr. Fernanda Crespo Dr. Fernanda Crespo, coordinator of the GIEF, reaffirmed the commitment of the Universidad Panamericana to the promotion of social justice and the recognition of human dignity. "Person-centered feminism is a piece of clay, still moldable, but with the hope that it will become a beautiful and useful piece for future generations"she concluded.
Learn more about the Interdisciplinary Group of Feminist Studies of the Universidad Panamericana at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwYQjCc1K3Q
