Mupymecon points out that of the 304,888 contracts awarded in 2020-2024, only 10% were assigned to Women-owned MSMEs.
SANTO DOMINGO.-The president of the Association of Professional Women Micro, Small and Medium Business Owners in the Construction Sector (Mupymecon), Erminda Decena, asked the government of Luis Abinader to implement more inclusive public policies that benefit professional women in the construction sector and their companies.
During the celebration of the ninth anniversary of the entity's creation, Decena indicated that, although statistics show an increase in contracts derived from raffles for works benefiting women, this does not satisfy the current demand of the female professional class.
“We request that more raffles be held than tenders, because in raffles there is a greater opportunity and capacity to participate, in addition to making the participation requirements more flexible when they are tenders, because they place requirements that are obstacles for women in the construction sector,” said the union representative.
Erminda Decena. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
The union leader revealed that in the coming days she will meet with the Minister of Women, Mayra Jiménez, and the Director General of Public Procurement, Carlos Pimentel, to coordinate actions that will lead to the strengthening of public policies aimed at empowering Dominican women, especially engineers and architects.
In this context, the data provided by consultants Lucía Cedeño, Wendy de los Santos, and Ingrid Pérez were highlighted. In their presentation, "Women's Participation in Public Works Contracting," they stated that during 2020-2024, 304,888 contracts were awarded, with an investment amount of RD$829 billion, of which RD$183 billion corresponded to women suppliers, with 10% allocated to Women-Owned MSMEs.
They also stated that of the amount contracted during 2020-2024, 35% corresponds to the construction sector, for an estimated value of RD$275 billion.
During the presentation, it was stated that, apart from the progress made, complex and restrictive bidding processes still persist, which restrict the participation of professionals, in addition to the lack of precise information that offers opportunities for new contracts.
These statements arose during the activities of the ninth anniversary of Mupymecon, which included the participation of Olmedo Caba, director of INDRHI; Eliseo Cristopher, president of COPYMECON; Carlos Mendoza, president of CODIA; and Victor Torres, president of ASODAGRIM.
The event also included the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the start of the commemorative activities and the inauguration of Mupymecon's new administrative office, as well as the presentation of accreditation to advisory members and executive committees.
Ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurating the new Mupymecon offices. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
During the ceremony, in addition to architect Erminda Decena, the following participated: Surelis Calderón, vice president; Katlin Martínez, executive vice president; Sonia Merán, vice president of finance; Rosanna Brito, vice president of training; Esther Morillo, vice president of communication and events; and Joselin Rodríguez, vice president of interinstitutional relations.
With these initiatives, Mupymecon reaffirms its commitment to continue working to ensure fair and equitable participation of women in the construction sector, contributing to the country's sustainable development.
