During the recent International Forum of Indigenous Women (FIMI) in New York, indigenous women leaders highlighted their crucial role in the preservation of the environment.
They also called for greater recognition and participation in the management of international funds aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
Recognizing their leadership
Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, Teresa Zapeta, Maya leader from Guatemala, pointed out the invisibility of indigenous women’s leadership, who, despite facing adversities such as racism and domestic violence, possess valuable ancestral knowledge.
Since its inception, FIMI has funded more than 610 projects worldwide, benefiting nearly three million people, demonstrating the transformative capacity of these communities.
Main demands
Indigenous women called for:
- Economic empowerment and participation in decision-making regarding their territories and resources.
- Access to international climate funds to address challenges such as water pollution from chemicals and pesticides.
- Recognition of their ancestral knowledge in formulating climate and biodiversity policies.
Zapeta emphasized the need for community-based land management, led by women, to ensure food sovereignty and the protection of local ecosystems.
Demands towards COP30 in Brazil
Looking ahead to the upcoming COP30 in Brazil, indigenous women leaders hope to make their proposals visible, focusing on ensuring access to clean water and socio-environmental justice for their communities, which are on the frontline of climate impact.
While acknowledging progress since the Beijing Conference in 1995, there is still a significant gap in decision-making.
Indigenous women demand their inclusion as protagonists in the fight for a sustainable future, highlighting their key role in environmental conservation and natural resources.
Cover photo: Orlando Sierra / AFP
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