A Time to Realize Our Dreams

A TIME TO REALIZE

OUR DREAMS

Women are conscious of the fact that peace can only be built through work, compromise, and dialogue rooted in diverse wisdoms.

TEXT AND PHOTO: TEJIDO MUJER CXHAB WALA KIWE- ACIN / CORPORACIÓN DE APOYO A COMUNIDADES POPULARES - CODACOP

he election marked a T milestone that reaffirms and strengthens the work of indigenous Nasa women in Northern Cauca. Never before have the women who make up the Tejido Mujer project of the Çxhab Wala Kiwe—whom we at Codacop have accompanied—felt themselves to be so active in the political arena. This project, which promotes and defends human rights and supports the defense of territories, also enjoys the support of FOKUS through a project that was implemented in 22 indigenous territories in 8 municipalities in the department of Cauca.

Drawing the territory as a woman’s face.

Feelings of joy and hope fuel Nasa women right now, as they likewise fuel those of us who form the Codacop team and learn from them the tireless and dedicated work of defending Uma Kiwe, Mother Earth. These women, whose stories have played a leading role in building the strength to resist the advance of a political and economic project whose militarization has impacted their lives and bodies as well as the livelihood of their communities, today feel they are standing before the doors of a historical moment for the country, for women, for indigenous peoples, for the impoverished, discriminated, and excluded; for those racialized, marginalized, exploited, victimized bodies and for all beings included in that group the Vice President called “The Nobodies.”

Such excitement is no small thing, given that the achievement of the Historic Pact—which carried Gustavo Petro to the presidency and was a very important election for the fight and dreams of social movements and those who support change in the country—would not been the same without Francia Márquez Mina’s presence. She is a woman who, through her personal history, represents the impact of discrimination and violence, as a Black, rural woman who is the head of her family, an environmental defender, and resident of a territory in dispute by armed groups.

Along with Francia and her philosophy of Living with Flavor, which is synonymous with living with dignity, tranquility, and without fear, Nasa women feel that it is possible to envision the realization of wët wët fxizenxi, living well, as a collective project of the people, of indigenous women and men. The hope this represents is also is strengthened with the election of the first indigenous senator, Nasa leader Ayda Quilcué, and the presence of other indigenous and Afro leaders in other public positions.

The happiness and hope which characterize this moment is proportional to the enormous effort that has been made since the event called “The Wind of the South: The Minga for Change.” This was a tour through the southwestern region of the country to encourage responsible, sensible

voting that is consistent with a historical memory that demanded political change, using the word to involve more people in the project to make this new administration’s vision of the country a reality.

These women know well that as soon as the door is opened, a path must be made based on spirituality and the strength of the word, as the elders teach, in order to embark on new journeys; a goal met is merely a step toward realizing the dream of building a better world, one that offers dignity and life for all people and beings residing in the national territory. They know and we know that the obstacles we encounter will be many, that ahead lies the great challenge of rebuilding a state that has been complicit in barbarity, injustice, inequality, plunder, and war, and that all political exercises and governance must be driven by new feelings, voices, visions, and approaches.

The challenges are enormous, the concerns are many, and the commitment to the work continues intact. They will be closely monitored, with support, contribution, proposals, and oversight. For this reason, Codacop and the Nasa women propose an active and positive accompaniment over the coming years of this government of peace, hope, and women. We aim to contribute to this process in a concrete way by strengthening the voices of women and supporting leaders and dialogues in favor of territorial peacebuilding: a peace without arms or armed groups in which everyone fully enjoys a life of dignity and the joy of residing in territories that are safe.

We aim to work hard to achieve the creation of a Resolution 1325 National Action Plan; collaborate to advance the implementation of the provisions of the Comprehensive System for Justice, Truth, and Reparations; support the implementation of the Truth Commission’s legacy; advocate for the implementation of measures in favor of justice for women; and participate in the exercise of protecting women rights defenders. Lastly, we commit ourselves to supporting the construction of a country at peace through our work. FM

We aim to contribute to this process by strengthening the voices of women and developing leaders and dialogues in favor of building territorial peace.

Reference

Tejido Mujer ACIN, https://www.facebook.com/ tejidomujer