Global gathering of women's voices: IT BEGAN!

For five days the Magallanes Region will be the epicenter of journalism and literature, with the slogan: “Change of Paradigm: Our North is in the South”. This meeting is part of the tourism week, reinforcing Magallanes' commitment to promote its varied tourism offer.

Elia Simeone, president of the association, welcomed the participants by sharing the significance and origins of this important event, which took place after her election in Rome to lead the organization.

“Two years ago, I shared the news of my appointment in two publications: one addressed to my children and the other to the governor of Magallanes, Jorge Flies, with whom I enthusiastically celebrated my election,” recounted Simeone. In his speech, he expressed his deep gratitude for the governor's support, underlining the importance of his backing to carry out a congress of this magnitude (see separate note).

The congress, which originally expected the attendance of between 80 and 100 people, exceeded expectations with 147 attendees. The program, the result of two years of collaboration with national and international universities, included the participation of outstanding speakers, transforming the event into an enriching exchange of ideas and experiences.

For his part, Governor Jorge Flies highlighted the importance of women and the word as transforming forces in society. “It is a pleasure to have your presence in the largest and most beautiful region of Chile”, said Flies, stressing that in Magallanes we do not arrive ‘at the end of the world, but at the beginning of a new one’. He thanked Sernatur for the coordination necessary to carry out the event and Elia Simeone and the board of Ammpe World for their leadership in the realization of this “dream come true”.

In his speech, the governor mentioned the challenges of the 21st century, quoting journalist Mónica González, who considers journalism as a vital “umbilical cord” for society. “This meeting brings us together under the sign of women and the word, forces historically marginalized,” he stressed, recognizing the transformative power of the female voice.

Flies reflected on the role of women in the field of logos, noting that although their voice has been relegated for centuries, today they are in a decisive struggle for the recognition they deserve. “This century is, without a doubt, your century, women with the power of logos,” she proclaimed, urging attendees to use their voice as tools of change and hope.

President Gabriel Boric, in a recorded greeting, expressed his support for the congress, thanking the Regional Government for its financial backing through the Regional Development Fund. “Without your support, Governor Flies, we would not have been able to bring together this outstanding group of academics, journalists and writers,” Boric stressed. The congress, which brings together close to 150 participants under the slogan “Paradigm Shift: Our North is in the South”, evokes the work of artist Joaquín Torres García. Attendees from universities in the United States, Europe and Latin America will discuss crucial issues such as the challenges of contemporary journalism, freedom of expression, democracy, artificial intelligence and new platforms.

Boric underscored the collaboration of seven Chilean universities with foreign institutions in the thematic panels and highlighted the value of this initiative organized by the World Association of Women Journalists. “I am sure it will be an instance of high-level discussion,” he said.

At the end of his greeting, Boric invited the attendees to enjoy the beauty of the region, mentioning tourist attractions such as the Williams Subantarctic Center, the Omora Park and the Torres del Paine National Park.

The regional director of Sernatur, Víctor Román, also thanked the presence of outstanding women leaders in journalism, whose work inspires new generations. “Their achievements are an example to follow and we are proud to have them in our region,” he stated. He also recalled Gabriela Mistral, who found in the southern landscapes the inspiration for her work “Desolation”, and trusted that the participants will find in Magallanes the same energy to continue creating and transforming the world.

The congress not only represents a unique opportunity to show the infinite possibilities of the region, but also to consolidate Magallanes as a key point in the promotion of tourism and cultural exchange on the international scene, concluded Román.