The Government of Castilla-La Mancha participated in the 15th Regional Engagement Meeting, organized by the European Network Against Poverty and Social Exclusion in Castilla-La Mancha (EAPN), which revolved around the central axis “For decent work and its impact” on vulnerable groups.”
The Minister of Social Welfare, Bárbara García Torrejano, together with the Mayor of Cuenca, Dario Dolz, attended the conference held at the Caritas headquarters in the capital, Cuenca, where she was received by the President of the EAPN CLM, Mar González, and the Director of Caritas Diocesana Cuenca, Pedro Bordallo.
García Torrigano participated in the expert group and the plenary session of this meeting, which was characterized by the exchange of experiences and joint thinking, which brought together people affected by poverty, professionals from the social field and political leaders.
“They are initiatives that provide us with the possibility for all relevant actors to participate and search for alternatives, solutions and social policies that respond to society’s weaknesses and we can contribute to improving people’s quality of life.”
He added that in this participation forum, “there are not only people who know firsthand situations of poverty and vulnerability, but also professionals, who provide tools to combat these situations, and also, administrations and bodies that develop and implement social policies, so that together we can be an advanced society.”
Commitment to social policies
After listening to speakers on behalf of the five working groups, the Chancellor highlighted the regional government’s commitment to social policies, especially those targeting the most vulnerable groups, and stressed that “despite the challenges it has faced in recent years, there is a positive development.” “Indicators of poverty in the region as a result of joint work.”.
Thus, among other indicators such as the decline of the AROPE rate by more than 5 points since 2014 which indicates the risk of poverty at 3 points, Bárbara García focused on the data of severe material and social deficiency, which is at 8.5 percent, below the national average. , which is 9 percent, and in low labor intensity households, which is 6.8 percent, which is well below the national average of 8.4 percent.
Focus on decent employment
Access to decent and quality employment opportunities was one of the main topics of the meeting. García Torregano pointed to the joint and transversal work between the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Economy, Business and Employment through employment schemes, where “25 percent is allocated to these people” who live in a particularly vulnerable situation, and we can, through our social workers, offer them They fill those places.”
Thus, “during 2023, this reserve of 25 percent means that 1,776 people have had access to employment and the employment opportunities necessary to escape vulnerability.”
A life project to escape exclusion
For the Head of Social Welfare, “labor integration is important to be able to escape vulnerability, but it is not sufficient”, and a multidimensional approach of social services is also needed that guarantees a vital project because “a person does not just have to be able to”. Get a job, but you must have achievable future views, goals and dreams.”
In this sense, she expressed great appreciation for the results of the pilot project “Building to Be Again”, developed in collaboration with the EAPN network and targeting people with social vulnerabilities, from which 1,000 people benefited, “particularly women with family responsibilities, Which means being able to cover all their needs so that these people can participate in inclusion paths in the social sphere and subsequently develop in the workplace.”
Likewise, among the conclusions raised by the working groups, the importance of management being accessible to all was highlighted, especially for those with fewer resources and training.
The Minister of Social Welfare concluded his speech by reaffirming the regional government's commitment to combating poverty and social exclusion and expressed his hope that this meeting would “strengthen the shared commitment to reduce inequality and eradicate poverty.”
Along with the Counselor, the General Director of Social Action, Santiago Vera, the General Director of Seniors, Alba Rodriguez, the General Director of Employment, Elena García and the EAPN Social Welfare delegate attended the EAPN engagement meeting. Susanna Zumino in her first public action after her appointment to this position.
“Creator. Devoted pop culture specialist. Certified web fanatic. Unapologetic coffee lover.”