For 500 years, the Wayuu indigenous people of Colombia have resisted the consequences of colonization and imperialism. Today, they have multiple enemies: state security forces, army-backed paramilitaries, guerrilla groups and multinational corporations. All are colluding to displace the Wayuu people so they can extract oil, natural gas and other vital resources from their land.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

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In the face of community members being threatened and killed, Fuerza de Mujeres Wayuu (Wayuu Women’s Force) are courageously organizing women and youth in their indigenous community to resist, fight for survival and the preservation of their rich and bio-diverse environment.

Wayuu women have formed extensive alliances with other women and indigenous groups, who advocate for their inclusion in Colombia’s peace building process. Fuerza de Mujeres built a community center to bring indigenous women together. The group also documents women’s testimonies about the violation of their human rights in the context of the ongoing conflict, which they have submitted to the UN and Colombian Constitutional Court. Through their actions for peace, Fuerza de Mujeres are reigniting hope in those who have for too long endured violence.