CEG-INTEC releases book “Memoirs: 35 years: Much beyond academia”
This work chronicles the historical trajectory of the university's Center for Gender Studies. The seventh volume of the book "Unleashing Perspectives: Building Knowledge for Equality" was also presented.
SANTO DOMINGO. - The Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) celebrated the launch of the book “Memoirs: 35 Years: Much Beyond Academia. Summary of the Memoirs of the Center for Gender Studies (CEG)”, a work that documents more than three decades of critical thinking, academic activism and contributions to the country from a gender perspective.
The seventh volume of the series was also presented during the event. Trigger Looks, a book of thirteen articles that, from a gender perspective, explore and analyze the realities, processes and possible paths associated with Climate Justice and Reproductive Justice, central themes of the XIII Conference of Gender Studies.
The activity was led by Dalul Ordehi, Dean of the Area of Social Sciences and Humanitieswho expressed that celebrating more than 35 years of the CEG is not just about looking back, but about recognizing a profoundly transformative legacy. “Celebrating more than 35 years of existence is not just commemorating an institutional trajectory, but recognizing a legacy of sustained commitment to equity, social justice, and the transformation of our societies,” she emphasized.
The dean also emphasized that these publications "reaffirm the essential role of knowledge as an instrument of social change," and added that researching, writing, and engaging in dialogue from a gender perspective "is not merely an academic exercise, it is a political, ethical, and profoundly human act."
Desiree Del Rosario, coordinator of the Gender Studies Center at INTECShe commemorated the Center's 37th anniversary and its impact on the Caribbean, but noted that significant challenges remain. “December, with its atmosphere of closure and renewal, is a time to acknowledge that, although we have made progress, gender inequalities remain a reality affecting thousands, millions of people in our society and around the world.”
As part of the meeting, he was present Rosario Arostegui, Vice-Rector of Research and Outreach at INTEC.
A journey through 35 years of feminist history
The presentation of the memoir was led by Lourdes Contreras, teacher, former coordinator of the Center for Gender Studies and a key figure in its birth. Contreras described the work as a journey through essential moments, courageous decisions, and actions that marked the presence of academic feminism in the country.
She emphasized that these memoirs show how the CEG has influenced public policies, legislative processes, research, specialized training, and a strong link with feminist and social organizations.
“Read the message that these memoirs present, because therein lies the key to the decisions of transcendence in relation to the purpose of an academic space with meaning beyond the strictly institutional,” he said.
During the activity, several historical figures from the Center for Gender Studies shared emotional reflections on the evolution of the project, including Professor Ana Francisca Selman, who sent a special message from afar, and the teacher Ginny Taulé, first coordinator of the Center, recognized for laying the foundations of feminist thought at INTEC.
“The important thing about the Gender Center isn't that it was created, but that today, nearing its 40th anniversary, it has endured. That's what's valuable,” Taulé stated. Those who participated in the meeting Didiana Belliard y Mariela Jaquez, who collaborated for 20 years at CEG-INTEC.
The activity concluded with the presentation of an audiovisual that compiles milestones, photographs and emblematic moments from the 35 years of the CEG, followed by a toast in honor of the people who have contributed to building this history.
Memoirs: 35 years: Much beyond academia This compendium chronologically summarizes the main contributions of the INTEC Center for Gender Studies in research, teaching, community outreach, and political action since its inception. Compiled by the current CEG team, the work includes testimonies, historical documents, and key reflections on its impact on Dominican society.
Seventh volume of Triggering Glances
The presentation of the seventh volume of Trigger Looks was in charge of Esther Hernández Medina, economist and Master in Gender and DevelopmentHernández, a graduate of both programs at INTEC, holds a doctorate in Sociology and is one of the book's authors. She offered a detailed overview of the 13 chapters that make up the work, which address topics such as human rights, gender violence, education, masculinities, climate change, public policy, and the feminist movement.
“This series marks a turning point in the history of Dominican academic feminism. It is a pioneering publication that brings together diverse, critical voices deeply committed to equality,” she said, emphasizing that this volume “provides us with further insights to help us build the inclusive society we want.”