I think it’s interesting the author writes that “as we women are a part of nature and the universe, we are called to care for and defend our Mother Earth” (328). I thought this was interesting because I thought yeah! Why are women being discriminated against when the community praises Pacha mama? But while this is an issue within the community that is not the issue being addressed. We’re talking about the discrimination of indigenous peoples and indigenous women. The first demand under “[Concerning our Indigenous] Worldview and Identity—“ states, “We demand that our worldview not be ‘folklorized’ by governments and private businesses” (329). The main concern is that the indigenous and traditional way of life—the culture—not be trivialized. What I found interesting was the word ‘folklorized’. I had not heard this word before but it makes perfect sense. These women’s way of life is not just a story made up to entertain the public. It is real to the indigenous peoples living it.
Another thing I noticed was in section 3. Strategies and Mechanisms to Strengthen Women’s Political Participation the first statement is that women should “strengthen our alliances and connections so as to have a voice in decision-making fora—political, economic and social—for the good of all” (330). This reminds me of when I spent time in Cusco, Peru on a study abroad. My host mom and all my teachers taught me about the indigenous religion and culture. But they always taught about the past. They told me about the Inca and what their way of life looks like. When I asked about modern day they all told me the indigenous communities are uncivilized they don’t know how to live in the city. I distinctly remember one of my teachers telling me that when indigenous peoples came into the city to sell their merchandise they would pee on the street because they didn’t know any better. I didn’t know what to say at the time. I was shocked because that is not what I saw. I had numerous conversations with indigenous women on the bus—and if they could figure out how to work they bus I’m sure they could figure out bathrooms. I decided what I was hearing as racism towards the indigenous communities. I was hurt by this. And reading this article only confirms my thoughts. Despite what my teachers and host family told me and believe, Indigenous women are entirely capable of anything.
RachelH 