Colombia inaugurates a new Ministry of Equality and Equity under President Petro
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia formalized the creation of a new Ministry of Equality and Equity by signing three decrees that outline its mandate, structure, and budget. The ministry is charged with advancing women’s rights in all their diversity while extending protections to the LGTBIQ+ community, people with disabilities, communities of color, and other groups facing systemic inequality. It also aims to address the needs of marginalized populations such as peasant communities, street residents, and migrants.
The initiative, which Petro championed during his campaign and which received congressional approval late last year, assigns the ministry five deputy ministers and a budget totaling roughly 500,000 million pesos. That figure equates to about 120 million dollars or 110 million euros. The ministry, which reflects a population where women make up more than half, is described by Francia Márquez as a bold step toward protecting the most vulnerable regions and groups in the country, including La Guajira, an area often cited for elevated poverty and exclusion. During a recent event at the ministry, Márquez emphasized that the work will focus on expanding rights and ensuring concrete protections for those in the most precarious circumstances. She affirmed her personal commitment to combat femicide and violence against women as a mother and a leader stepping into this role.
Although Márquez’s inauguration as Equality Minister was originally planned for today, it did not proceed after the legal requirement that a new position must wait three days from the publication of a resume before taking office was observed. The formal roll-out occurred on Thursday in Riohacha, when the president signed the three decrees launching the ministry and defining its functions, organizational chart, budget, and staffing. Márquez, speaking about the ministry, called the mission challenging yet achievable, stating that it would be met with dedication, love, and joy. She underscored Colombia’s aim to be a voice for those who often go unheard, insisting that the country can progress with purposeful action and inclusive governance.
This development marks a notable shift in Colombian policy, signaling a sustained effort to align state resources with urgent social priorities. By institutionalizing a dedicated body focused on equality and equity, the administration seeks to coordinate programs, streamline decision-making, and monitor progress across multiple sectors. Observers note that the ministry’s leadership and its ambitious agenda could influence regional development, social protection policies, and the targeting of poverty alleviation initiatives. The new portfolio is expected to coordinate with existing agencies, civil society organizations, and community groups to design and implement measures that reduce disparities and advance human rights for all Colombians.
In public remarks, Márquez described the ministry as a real test of national resolve, promising to steer policy with empathy and practical solutions. She highlighted the importance of addressing gender-based violence, expanding access to essential services, and ensuring that marginalized communities—such as rural peasants, urban workers, and immigrant populations—receive sustained support. The ministry’s stance is to be a proactive partner for vulnerable people, ensuring that their voices inform policy choices and that resources reach the places that need them most. This approach aligns with broader governmental goals to strengthen social protection, promote inclusive growth, and uphold human rights across the country. The administration’s posture suggests a long-term commitment to structural reform, grounded in accountability, transparency, and the participation of communities at every level.