A group of women leaders in Cartago, Valle del Cauca, formed the Damas cartagüeñas por la democracia movement to support Paloma Valencia's presidential candidacy. The initiative is expanding to neighboring municipalities and plans a major event on May 6. Former lawmaker Emilio Merino has played a key role in its organization.
In Cartago, a collective of women with social and civic leadership launched the Damas cartagüeñas por la democracia movement. The group aims to shape the electoral debate in northern Valle del Cauca by backing Paloma Valencia's presidential run with the Centro Democrático party. Members conduct voter education, direct outreach in neighborhoods and rural areas, and promote informed voting.
Former lawmaker Emilio Merino, ex-president of the Valle del Cauca Assembly, served as the main organizer. He bridged the leaders and Valencia's campaign, endorsing her from November 2025—before her official nod in March's primary. Cartago councilor Angélica León Pulgarín is among the members.
The movement is expanding to other northern Valle municipalities, replicating its organizational model. They announced a key event on May 6 at the Gran Salón del Hotel Mariscal Robledo, expecting 800 to 1,000 attendees, coordinated by Merino to highlight their work and bolster support networks.
This citizen initiative stresses reviving civic values and the prospect of Colombia's first female president.
