Brazilian Indigenous Women March for Equal Rights and Land Demarcation
Indigenous women from across Brazil have gathered in BrasÃlia, the capital of South America’s largest country, to participate in a march advocating for equal rights and demanding land demarcation, as well as an end to illegal mining, according to a report by Agencia Brasil. The 3rd Indigenous Women’s March, which began on September 11 and will continue until September 13, focuses on women’s rights and the preservation of indigenous cultures under the motto Women Biomes in Defense of Biodiversity Through Ancestral Roots.
The National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestry (Anmiga), the organization behind the rally, highlights the central aim of the march as a call for equal rights for indigenous women. These women have faced numerous challenges and injustices throughout their lives but refuse to remain silent. Their demands include access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. They are fighting for the protection of land and natural resources, which have long been exploited. Additionally, they are advocating for an end to violence against indigenous women, a prevalent issue that has plagued their communities for generations.
The 2023 event is also an opportunity to continue the struggle against illegal mining, push for land demarcation, and promote political training for indigenous representation in positions of power. The march will include plenaries, working groups, and cultural activities. On September 13, participants plan to walk along the Esplanade of Ministries and engage with authorities regarding their demands outlined in a letter delivered earlier this year.
Anmiga emphasizes that the laws failing to recognize the diversity and existence of indigenous people are their biggest obstacles. Demarcating indigenous lands represents the ongoing existence of their communities. An indigenous woman serving as the first indigenous minister exemplifies the role of women in healing the land and addressing gender violence and various forms of racism, including structural, institutional, and environmental racism.
Representatives of the indigenous women’s movement from around the world will also be present, with delegations expected from Peru, the United States, Malaysia, Russia, and New Zealand. This diverse participation highlights the universality of the challenges faced by indigenous women, such as access to land, gender violence, discrimination, and the struggle for autonomy and empowerment.
The Indigenous Women’s March in BrasÃlia serves as a powerful platform for indigenous women to voice their demands for equal rights, land demarcation, an end to illegal mining, and the preservation of their cultures. It brings attention to the injustices they have endured and aims to create positive change through advocacy and collective action.
