Indigenous feminism: a holistic perspective
Indigenous feminism has deep roots in pre-Columbian cultures, where women have always played central roles in their communities.
They were the keepers of traditional knowledge, caretakers of the land, and spiritual leaders. However, colonization brought devastating impacts, dismantling these societies and pushing women into subservient roles.
Despite this, Indigenous women not only suffered the loss of their rights but also became key figures in resistance movements, fighting to preserve their cultures and identities.
A prime example is the story of Bartolina Sisa, an Indigenous leader who fought against colonial oppression in the 18th century. Her life illustrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous women, who fought not only for their people but also for their lands.
The Connection Between the Land and Women
The relationship between Indigenous women and the land is both symbolic and vital. Women are not only responsible for caring for the territory, but they also play a leading role in managing natural resources.
They are central to the fight for the preservation of their lands, defending not just their territorial rights but also biodiversity and environmental balance.
This connection underscores the importance of the land as a cornerstone of Indigenous feminist movements, where environmental protection is closely tied to the fight for human rights.
What Would Indigenous Communities Be Without Women?
- Indigenous women are the keepers of culture and tradition: they are responsible for passing down customs, practices, language, and knowledge from generation to generation.
They are also the protectors of natural resources: they handle all aspects of food cultivation and harvest. Beyond agriculture, Indigenous women often lead movements to defend their lands. - They are community leaders: in many Indigenous cultures, women play a key role in decision-making processes that affect the entire community. Many of them also work in politics, striving to improve living conditions and secure human rights for Indigenous populations.
- They are providers: in addition to education, agriculture, and caring for their communities, Indigenous women often seek work outside their villages and sell cultural products like crafts and textiles.
- They are midwives and healers: due to their extensive knowledge in various fields, Indigenous women are also central figures in health care and the overall well-being of their communities.
- They are warriors for gender equality: like women everywhere, Indigenous women fight for their empowerment. However, as Indigenous people, they face challenges that non-Indigenous women do not.
A Fight on Many Fronts
Indigenous feminism addresses the triple oppression Indigenous women have faced throughout history: sexism, racism, and economic inequality. Beyond sexist discrimination, Indigenous peoples as a whole were among the first to face violence due to the color of their skin.
In a misguided and inhumane attempt at “civilization,” Europeans subjected them to massacres, land expropriation, and slavery, believing they were inferior simply because they lived differently and had different beliefs.
To learn more about this, we recommend the book American Holocaust: Columbus and the Conquest of the New World by David Stannard.
In addition to the crimes committed by colonizers, women found themselves in an intersectional position that white women, for example, did not face:
Sexism
Indigenous women not only suffer from the sexualization and violence of their bodies, but some also face male dominance within their own cultures.
It’s important to note that not all Indigenous societies are sexist; there is no one-size-fits-all generalization, especially given the vast diversity of Indigenous peoples. In fact, many civilizations strive for gender equality and place women in leadership roles.
However, the colonial period and the societal shifts that followed deeply influenced the social dynamics of many communities, introducing or reinforcing patriarchal and sexist ideas, as well as gender hierarchies that were not previously present.
According to the Igarapé Institute, the statistics on Indigenous femicide in Brazil are among the highest in the world.
Structural Racism
The arrival of European colonizers may seem like ancient history, but the consequences of their actions are still felt today by non-white peoples. The social and cultural structures that Indigenous peoples once had were stripped away, and their cultures, when not erased, were blended with European elements.
Indigenous people are often excluded from education, politics, the economy, and broader society due to racism and prejudice against their identity. This “erasure” is also reflected in the invasion and expropriation of their lands for deforestation and agribusiness.
They have limited access to health care, justice, and education, which also perpetuates sexism: according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous women are often ignored when reporting domestic violence. Moreover, according to UN Women, Indigenous mothers have much higher mortality rates.
Those who fight for environmental protection also face significant risks. In 2016, Honduran environmental activist Berta Cáceres was murdered after protesting against the Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam, which was being constructed without the consent of the local Indigenous community.
Economic Inequality
Indigenous peoples make up 8% of the total population in Latin America, yet 15% live in extreme poverty. In countries like Mexico and Peru, up to 70% of Indigenous people live in precarious conditions.
When it comes to income, in Bolivia and Guatemala, Indigenous people earn 40% less than their non-Indigenous counterparts. In Brazil, this gap is as high as 50%.
Additionally, 85% of Indigenous people in Latin America work in the informal economy, where they lack labor rights and access to health services.
For more information on the economic inequality faced by Indigenous peoples, check out these resources:
Indigenous Latin America in the Twenty-First Century (World Bank)
The Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Latin America (ECLAC)
Decent Work and Indigenous Peoples (ILO)
Key Indigenous Feminist Leaders
Bartolina Sisa, an iconic figure, led the resistance against colonial oppression in Bolivia. Rigoberta Menchú, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has brought global attention to the specific demands of Indigenous women.
Tarcila Rivera Zea, a Quechua activist from Peru, grew up in poverty and faced many challenges when she moved to Lima. Motivated by her hardships, she became a tireless advocate for Indigenous communities. Today, she’s an international leader in the Indigenous feminist movement, inspiring men and women alike through her foundation Chirapaq.
Lolita Chávez, a human rights defender from the Quiché people in Guatemala, is another key figure. Although her activism focuses on environmental issues, her work intersects with Indigenous feminism, as environmental harm directly affects the role of women as guardians of the land.
Nina Gualinga, a leader from the Kichwa people of Sarayaku, Ecuador, fights for environmental causes and the empowerment of Indigenous women, particularly against oil exploitation in the Amazon.
Other Indigenous feminist leaders include Sônia Guajajara in Brazil, Cristina Coc in Belize, Ruth Buendía in Peru, and Julieta Paredes in Bolivia.
Contemporary Challenges and Achievements
Today, Indigenous women continue to fight for recognition and social justice. They face significant challenges, such as the exploitation of their lands and exclusion from political processes.
However, recent achievements, like the inclusion of Indigenous representatives in parliaments and the growing debate around human rights, show that their voices are being heard.
Campaigns like the “Campaign for the Life of Indigenous Women” have brought attention to the issues these women face, underscoring the importance of their active participation in society. Contemporary movements like the “National Council of Indigenous Women” are mobilizing around issues like human rights, autonomy, and social justice,
