By Carola Rico
Paulina Gallardo is a 39-year-old San Miguel de Allende businesswoman and an alderperson on the city council of Mayor Mauricio Trejo Pureco for the term of 2021-2024. This council is made up of five alderpersons, a trustee, and a secretary. Women are in the majority.
In addition to being a businesswoman, Gallardo is the mother of a little girl. She knows that all the decisions she makes will have future consequences. If they are good decisions, they will reap something good; if they are bad, they will teach valuable lessons. Through the life tests she has faced, Gallardo has learned not ask herself “why,” but rather “what for,” and through these tests, she has learned important lessons that have made her a better human being. She said that in the current government, the focus is on forging an alliance between its men and women, who are working together to achieve positive results for the good of San Miguel’s citizens. This city council is distributed both in the municipal seat and in surrounding rural areas and represents the more than 160,000 residents of the city.
She also spoke about this administration’s Women’s Institute, a space for physically and mentally abused women, as well as those with problems related to children. One of the services offered by the Institute is providing advice and information by experts in legal and psychological matters. Gallardo stressed that most abuse begins at home, with risk factors including discrimination due to appearance, manner of speaking, economic or social insecurity, etc. Therefore, she emphasized that it is important for women to love themselves, because only in loving themselves will they receive respect from others. If a woman feels vulnerable, others can more easily hurt her. But when she decides to set limits and chooses to respect others, she can demand respect for herself.
Gallardo noted that the Women’s Institute has found that domestic violence occurs more frequently rural communities and stressed that through DIF (Family Social Development) and the Institute, abused women can get the help and advice that they need.
As an alderperson, a mother with a family, and businesswoman, Gallardo would like to be a voice for the women of San Miguel. She wants them to know that they can approach her and know they are not alone. In difficult circumstances, what is most important in making a difference is not to be afraid, to speak to our inner self, and put a stop to all kinds of violence.
Gallardo concluded with this: “Love yourself. Love begins with yourself; speak nicely to yourself. Look in the mirror and see the best human being you can be. Let’s respect this temple that is our body, which will always be with us. Let’s live for ourselves, love one other, and live in harmony with everyone around us.»
