The role of indigenous women in the conservation of forests
Since 1983, every 5th of September is celebrated as the International Day of indigenous women, a date on which it pays homage to all the women who guard the ancestral traditions and the resources of their communities.
What is the history of this celebration?
According to the NIOC (National Indigenous Organization of Colombia), this day was established as the International Day of Indigenous Women in honor of the battle of Bartolina Sisa, an indigenous Aymara murdered brutally in 1782, who represented the indigenous resistance to Spanish colonization.
Historically, symbolizes the thought of thousands of indigenous women, who have given their lives for the dignity and the recognition of their rights and of indigenous peoples.
How to involve indigenous women in REDD+Projects?
REDD+ projects, which aim to contribute to the Reduction of carbon Dioxide Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, are also looking for a social welfare, enhance the quality of life of communities, and promote gender equity.
All conservation projects, developed by BIOFIX in conjunction with communities ethnic methodology under the REDD+, have lines of action of social impact in which the woman-indigenous or afro fulfills an important role of participation.
Mainly, in the projects undertaken with Indigenous reserves in the departments of Vichada and Guaviare, the women have managed to take an active role and spaces have been created to hear his voice and to make decisions.
Although there is a long way to go in the female participation within the indigenous peoples, there are already safeguards linked to the conservation projects that seek to ensure that women have equal participation with men to promote gender equality within their communities.
Proof of this are the projects YAAWI IIPANA REDD+, PALAMEKU KUWEI REDD+, BANAKALE – ISIMALI REDD+ AND KALIAWIRI REDD+, that feature women for the progress of the different projects that are carried out in each ward, always reminded that women can participate in any activity that is performed.
There is still more work to which, in the future, the female voice has the same force in all the indigenous communities. That's why today, we do a special tribute to the women who work hard to care for and protect the forests and the customs of their communities in REDD+ projects, and representing the harmony between society and nature.
“Participation in decision making in the shelter is equitable, always alike, and the opinion of the woman is respected”.
Ana Elsa Ponare Bonilla Indigenous reserve St. Thérèse of the Tuparro Project BANAKALE – ISIMALI REDD+
“Women are already organizing for the formation of the assembly of women, so that they themselves begin to project what they need and what they want, and I as a Council, I want that the participation of women is more active”.
Wilson Arias Gaitán, Cabildo Governor of the Indigenous reserve The Plain, belonging to the Project BANAKALE – ISIMALI REDD+.
“Previously, there was no participation of women within the shelter, now sees the participation of women on stage and in the taking of decisions.”
Beatriz Ponare Indigenous reserve St. Thérèse of the Tuparro Project BANAKALE – ISIMALI REDD+
“We still struggle to speak in the meetings because it is very difficult to change things in a little time, but we are working to improve, because when we talk about the men they respect our opinions.”
Gilma Cariban Mancipe Indigenous reserve The Plain, belonging to the Project BANAKALE – ISIMALI REDD+.