September: Indigenous women and girls
5 September is the International Day of Indigenous Women. Indigenous Women’s Day honors the Aymara warrior Bartolina Sisa, who led a rebellion against Spanish colonizers in Peru in 1780 and was killed in 1782. This day also recognizes the role of indigenous women in preserving their culture, biodiversity, and ancestral knowledge, as well as their fight against violence and discrimination. Indigenous women are movement builders, system shakers, stewards of ecosystems, and community caretakers.
ICUUW supported women-led tree planting efforts in Chinabenque and Socela, two indigenous communities in the mountainous region of Guatemala. The meaningful forest-based agricultural activities have served as models for enhancing women’s leadership in the service of ecosystem restoration.
A complex leadership training program in Bolivia, identified as a key need at ICUUW's 2015 Gathering, enabled 49 women from marginalized communities to become a force for change. The training enhanced participants' income-generating and leadership skills and developed their capacities for long-term success.
Bolivian Carmen Capriles, member of ICUUW's UN Advocacy Committee and a delegate at COP 28 in Dubai, spoke about Climate Change and Sustainable Development at several ICUUW-hosted virtual events. Watch videos of Carmen's workshops about engaging with the UN and read about her Climate Advocacy at COP27.