In compliance with Superior Agreement 005 of 2023, through which the "Protocol for the prevention and addressing of gender-based violence and sexual violence at the University of Cauca" is adopted, and as a further step towards establishing conditions and promoting a 100% safe academic environment for everyone, the Alma Mater Caucana officially established the Committee for Addressing Gender-Based Violence.

The Committee for Addressing Gender-Based Violence at the University of Cauca is configured as an "Advisory and consulting body for the implementation, evaluation, and monitoring of the gender-based violence and sexual violence policy presented at a national level. It is the body responsible for designing and implementing prevention measures in coordination with other entities of the University," and is currently in the initial phase of establishing a work plan aimed at generating a comprehensive diagnosis of gender-based violence that may affect students, teachers, and administrative staff. Its creation responds to the firm commitment of the University to guarantee an inclusive and safe environment for all individuals within our community.

Considering the aforementioned context, in a special event held at the Vice Presidency of Culture and Welfare on September 4th, the formal installation and initiation of the Committee took place, marking the beginning of an interesting phase, reaffirming that the well-being of our people, who are assumed as the most valuable asset in this institutional project, is one of the strategic and most important issues to address.

In this manner, Professor Diana Granados, appointed by the Academic Vice Presidency to join the aforementioned Committee, shares relevant information associated with the upcoming tasks that this important institutional body will undertake: "With the installation of the Committee, we will begin to build a work plan that allows us to fulfill its functions. From this moment, we have prioritized advancing in a diagnosis of gender-based violence within the institution, with the purpose of generating information and designing much more accurate strategies regarding prevention and care."

It is important to mention that the establishment of the Committee is a result of the coordination between the Educational Inclusion Policy, the Gender and Sexual Diversities Program, belonging to the Vice Presidency of Culture and Welfare, and an entire institutional commitment aimed at strengthening a university as a safe space free from all forms of violence.

Regarding this, the Rector of the University of Cauca, Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, expressed: "We understand that this protocol will require adjustments over time in institutional regulations, but that's what the committee is for because the people who comprise it must continuously assess the institutional work and, accordingly, propose not only adjustments to this protocol but also the development of activities that allow us to make the university a space that guarantees individuals to carry out their academic activities without the threat of being violated in any way. Therefore, I celebrate the commitment of the individuals who will be part of this committee and anticipate that interesting reflections and proposals will come from this university space."

The establishment of this Committee reinforces the commitment of the University of Cauca to eradicate all forms of violence, promoting an environment of respect and dignity; an environment that directly impacts the strategies designed to prevent, among other things, the dropout rates of our young people. Furthermore, this initiative responds to the need for changes occurring socially in terms of gender and human rights, demonstrating the continuous effort of the Alma Mater Caucana and its University management to create an educational space where all individuals can reach their full potential. In this way, we foster the training of excellent professionals, framed under the premise of solidarity as an important vehicle to continue supporting the path of those who dream of a better and fairer future.