Programa, Córdoba, Montería 1

Abstract

This edition of Voces y Regiones highlights the active participation of historically marginalized communities in Colombia, particularly Afro-Colombian communities, the LGBTIQ+ community, and women, especially those who have been victims of violence. The discussion reflects on the long-standing challenges these groups have faced, from structural discrimination to exclusion from political, social, and economic spaces. While some progress has been made in terms of recognition and rights, significant gaps remain in access to opportunities, representation, and the realization of true equality. The conversation underscores the urgent need to strengthen the participation of these communities in public decision-making processes and to implement inclusive policies with a differential and intersectional approach. The episode emphasizes that equality is not achieved solely through legal recognition but also through the transformation of societal attitudes, collective empowerment, and political will to ensure fair and equitable conditions. The full inclusion of these communities is essential for building a participatory, just, and diverse democracy.