Colombian Senator Iván Cepeda calls for eliminating sexism within left-wing party structures

Colombian Senator Iván Cepeda has urged progressive political organizations and social movements to conduct a rigorous internal review to eradicate sexist behavior within their ranks, pointing out the contradiction between advocating social emancipation while perpetuating patriarchal dominance in daily power dynamics.

The lawmaker emphasized that movements advocating democratic transformation must systematically audit their internal practices, disciplinary bodies, and conflict-resolution procedures regarding gender-based misconduct or the political marginalization of female members.

This discussion aligns with persistent demands from feminist groups and female legislators in Colombia's Congress, who have highlighted the absence of effective safety protocols and genuine gender parity across party candidate slates nationwide.

From a civic perspective, the statement creates opportunities for grassroots activists to scrutinize internal ethics committees and demand concrete safeguards for equitable participation without fear of retaliation for reporting abuse.

Colleagues and political analysts welcomed the remarks as a necessary move toward internal democracy, stressing that such statements must now translate into binding statutory reforms ahead of future electoral cycles.