“No puede haber revolución progresista si no hay feminismo”. Susana Muhamad, Ministra de Ambiente
Feb 13, 2025
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Susana Muhamad, former Colombian Minister of Environment, shares her journey through the tumultuous political landscape. She speaks candidly about the sorrow of her resignation and critiques patriarchal politics, advocating for a left that prioritizes feminist values. Muhamad emphasizes the importance of ethics in public service and the need for transparency. She also highlights Colombia's environmental challenges and the dangers faced by social leaders. With aspirations for the Bogotá mayoralty, she inspires a vision of transformative governance that embraces collaboration and advocacy for marginalized voices.
Susana Muhamad's resignation from the cabinet reflects significant internal tensions between progressive ideals and traditional power structures in Colombian politics.
Throughout her tenure, Muhamad emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts in environmental governance and the urgent recognition of climate change in public policy.
Muhamad stressed the critical importance of integrating women's rights and diverse causes into the political discourse to foster a more inclusive progressive movement.
Deep dives
Resignation and Political Dynamics
The recent resignation of Susana Mohamed, a close ally of President Gustavo Petro, highlights the internal political dynamics within the Colombian government. Her decision to leave was prompted by the appointment of Armando Benetti as chief of dispatch, a move she disagreed with due to his controversial history regarding women's issues. This resignation stands out amidst a backdrop of frequent cabinet changes, indicating significant tensions between progressive ideals and traditional political practices within the administration. Mohamed's experience reflects the complexities of navigating a political landscape that often clashes with the foundational values of their government project.
Environmental Policy Achievements
Throughout her tenure, Mohamed emphasized the importance of environmental issues, particularly in the context of climate change, making significant strides in shaping public policy. She played a critical role in initiatives such as preparing for COP events that brought focus and visibility to Colombia's environmental agenda. Despite the challenges posed by frequent ministerial turnover, her approach was rooted in collaborative efforts to build a sustainable framework for environmental governance. Mohamed expressed pride in her accomplishments, noting the growing recognition of climate change on the national agenda under Petro's leadership.
Challenges of Governance and Alliances
The podcast delved into the complexities of governance in Colombia, particularly the necessity for political alliances and the challenges faced by those pushing progressive agendas. Mohamed articulated how traditional power dynamics often undermine the efforts of progressive ministers who seek to implement change in a landscape dominated by established political structures. She raised concerns about the lack of governance and cohesion within the administration, suggesting that the successful implementation of policies requires a robust, collective effort rather than reliance on individual power plays. The internal conflicts highlighted the delicate balance between innovative policymaking and the need for collaboration across various political factions.
Women's Rights and Political Representation
Another significant theme discussed was the role of women's rights within the broader progressive movement. Mohamed stressed the urgency of incorporating sexual and reproductive rights into political discourse, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive left that champions diverse causes. She highlighted her long-standing activism and the necessity for women not only to participate in politics but to reshape it fundamentally. The conversation underscored the importance of solidarity among women leaders and the imperative to challenge systemic barriers that hinder equitable representation in political spheres.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
As she reflects on her political journey, Mohamed expressed mixed feelings about her resignation, grappling with a sense of loss regarding unfinished work and aspirations for impactful environmental reforms. She emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with community leaders engaged in environmental struggles, recognizing them as essential for fulfilling the government's promises of change. While acknowledging her current transitional phase, she remains committed to the ideals of progressivism, indicating her desire to contribute positively to any future political endeavors. Ultimately, Mohamed advocates for a vision of progressive transformation that prioritizes environmental sustainability and social justice, leaving room for her continued involvement in activist circles.
La Ministra de Ambiente, Susana Muhamad estuvo en A Fondo y nos contó que está viviendo un duelo desde que decidió presentar su renuncia al gabinete de Gustavo Petro, forzada por la llegada de Armando Benedetti al cargo de jefe de despacho, un puesto de gran poder que hasta poco estaba en manos de Laura Sarabia. Muhamad habló de su experiencia como funcionaria mujer en el primer gobierno de izquierda y afirmó que se va del gabinete con tristeza, pero con la convicción de que es hora de crear una izquierda menos patriarcal y machista. Según ella los consejos de ministros no deben ser televisados y la eficacia de los ministros no se puede medir por informes de gestión que nadie conoce. Muhamad cree que en este país se puede hacer política sin concesiones y que la izquierda comete un error cuando llega al poder a hacer lo mismo que han hecho los gobiernos anteriores. Una entrevista honesta en la que Muhamad confiesa que tiene en la mira, llegar a la alcaldía de Bogotá.