Woven from Strength and Wisdom: Honoring the International Day of the World's Indigenous Women

Every September 5th, the calendar is colored with resistance, wisdom, and unbreakable strength. This is not an ordinary celebration; it is a day to remember, to listen, and to raise our voices. It is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Women, a date to pay homage to the guardians of the earth, the bearers of ancient languages, and the pillars of entire communities.

But why does this day exist? Its origin does not stem from a festivity, but from a profound struggle and a painful loss that was transformed into a global symbol of resistance.

The Origin: The Story of Bartolina Sisa

This date was established in 1983 during the Second Meeting of Organizations and Movements of Latin America in Tihuanacu, Bolivia. September 5^th was chosen to honor the life and struggle of Bartolina Sisa, an Aymara warrior who fiercely opposed Spanish colonial rule in the Upper Peru (modern-day Bolivia).

Alongside her husband, the leader Túpac Katari, Bartolina commanded an army of indigenous guerrillas that laid siege to the city of La Paz. Her bravery and strategy made her a formidable leader. However, she was captured and, after suffering torture and humiliation, was sentenced to death and brutally executed on September 5, 1782.

Her legacy, however, did not die with her. Her cry of resistance, "They will only kill me, but I will return and I will be millions," has come true in the voices of millions of indigenous women who continue her path today.

Why is it so Important to Commemorate this Day?

This day goes far beyond simple recognition. It is an urgent necessity for several reasons:

· To Make the Invisible Visible: Indigenous women face double discrimination: for their gender and their ethnic origin. This day shines a light on their realities, challenges, and contributions, which are often ignored.

· To Celebrate their Fundamental Role: They are the guardians of biodiversity. Their ancestral knowledge of seeds, medicinal plants, and sustainable agriculture is a treasure for all humanity in the fight against climate change.· Preservers of Culture: They are the transmitters of native languages, oral traditions, artisan techniques, gastronomy, and worldviews. They are the thread that keeps the identity of their peoples alive.

· To Recognize their Active Struggle: Far from being passive figures, indigenous women are at the forefront of defending their territories, natural resources, and the rights of their communities against rampant exploitation.

The Challenges They Face: A Harsh Reality

Despite their strength, they face overwhelming realities:

· Violence and Discrimination: They suffer from high levels of physical, psychological, and structural violence.

· Poverty and Lack of Access: They have less access to education, quality healthcare, and economic opportunities.

· Land Dispossession: Defending their ancestral lands puts them in constant danger, as they face powerful corporate and governmental interests.

How Can We Honor and Support? (Beyond Words)

True commemoration lies in action and conscious support. Here are a few ideas:

1. Educate Ourselves and Listen: Read about the history and current reality of indigenous peoples. Follow leaders and collectives of indigenous women on social media and amplify their voices. Do not speak for them—let them speak!

2. Support their Economy: Buy crafts directly from the artisans or through certified cooperatives that ensure fair pay. Value the work, history, and symbolism behind each piece.

3. Be Allies in the Struggle: Learn about territorial conflicts and use our voices to demand that governments respect the human and territorial rights of indigenous peoples.

4. Reflect on Our Privilege: Acknowledging the structures that benefit us and oppress others is the first step to building a more just and equitable society.

A Future Woven by Their Hands

The International Day of the World's Indigenous Women is a powerful reminder that the future of the planet is intrinsically linked to respecting the rights and wisdom of these peoples. They are women who weave not only beautiful textiles but also networks of community, resistance, and hope.

Today, and every day, let us honor their legacy. Let us learn from their connection to the land. Let us fight alongside them. For in their strength, we find the roots of a more just and harmonious world.

¡Jallalla las mujeres indígenas! ¡Kausachun! ¡Luma! ¡Viva! (Long live indigenous women!)

Let me know in the comments: Did you know the story of Bartolina Sisa? What other ways do you think we can support the struggle and visibility of indigenous women?