Indigenous women's advocacy in international spaces and the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence
I. Context
The Week of Non-Violence, known as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, is celebrated annually from 25 November to 10 December. This campaign, initiated by the UN, seeks to promote peace, tolerance and understanding between people. During these days, various activities and events take place worldwide to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to mobilise society to prevent and eradicate violence. Indeed, during these 16 days, indigenous women also speak out and reflect on our situation internally and externally; and to that extent we review the level of participation and advocacy at different levels and spaces at the national and international level.
In this line, in the last two weeks of October, the recent Conference of the Parties on Biological Diversity (COP16), held in Cali, Colombia, from 20 October to 1 November 2024, was a crucial event to establish agendas, commitments and frameworks for action aimed at conserving biological diversity and promoting its sustainable use. One of the most significant achievements of this conference was the creation of the Article 8(j) subsidiary body, which focuses on respecting, preserving and maintaining the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
The creation of this subsidiary body highlights the importance of integrating the struggles and perspectives of indigenous peoples, especially indigenous women, into debates on biodiversity and violence. Indigenous women, guardians of wisdom, are at the frontline of the struggle in defence of territories, against biodiversity loss and climate change, and confronting the violence that impacts on their bodies and territories
II. Justification
This global effort aligns with the objectives of the Week of Nonviolence, seeking to integrate these initiatives from a holistic approach to address the environmental and social challenges of our time.
It is worth noting that after 26 years of work, indigenous peoples and local communities become permanent advisors to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This subsidiary body promises to ensure effective participation in the Convention, and also recognises Afro-descendant peoples as guardians of biodiversity.
In this context, it has been considered important to hold a webinar to address and deepen the significance of this achievement, as well as to highlight the level of participation that Indigenous women have had in this process. As is common knowledge, biodiversity is closely related to Indigenous peoples’ lives and territories, particularly Indigenous women. Protecting rights and ensuring full and effective participation in decision-making and in the implementation of biodiversity policies is crucial to eradicating violence against women.
III. Organizers
This Webinar is organised by Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), the Articulación Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas Guerreras de la Ancestralidad-ANMIGA from Brazil, Red de Mujeres Indígenas sobre Biodiversidad-RMIB-LAC; Organización Nacional de Mujeres Andinas y Amazónica de Perú-ONAMIAP and Tukui Shimi & Todas las Voces from Ecuador.
IV. Objective
Exchange views and foster solidarity and cooperation to develop joint strategies for greater advocacy in national and international arenas to promote greater participation and to eradicate violence against indigenous women.
V. Speakers
Well-known women leaders who have made an impact at the national and international level will participate.
- Florina López - Red de Mujeres Indígenas Biodiversidad: Kuna Panamá
- Jozi Kaingang y Cris Pankararu - Articulación Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas Guerreras de la Ancestralidad de Brasil
- Ketty Marcelo - Organización Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas Andinas y Amazónicas de Perú
- Nadia Fenly - Coordinator of the Research and Knowledge Sharing Programme of the International Indigenous Women's Forum.
VI. Interpretation
- Traducción: English, Spanish, and Portuguese
- Date: Friday November 29, 2024
- Time: 15h00 Ecuador
- Length: 1h40 minutes
- Modality: virtual by Zoom
VIII. Table
| Time | Activity | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Introducción al evento | Moderator |
| 5 minutes | Opening remarks from IPRI’s Executive Director. | Joan Carling |
| 5 minutes | Presentation of each of the speakers | Moderator |
| 10 minutes | Speaker Florina López, Red de Mujeres Indígenas Biodiversidad -LAC: Kuna Panama. | Expositora |
| 10 minutes | Jozi kaingang e Cris Pankararu ,Articulación Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas Guerreras de la Ancestralidad, Brazil | Expositora |
| 10 minutes | Ketty Marcelo-Organización Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas Andinas y Amazónicas, Peru. | Expositora |
| 10 minutes | Nadia Fenly, Coordinator of the Research and Knowledge Sharing Programme of the International Indigenous Women's Forum. | Expositora |
| 30 minutes | Q&A | Moderator |
| 10 minutes | Conclusions | Moderator |
