The latest global study on the situation of Indigenous Women conducted by FIMI in 2020 indicates that gender violence faced by Indigenous Women is a global problem, manifested through domestic violence, physical and sexual violence, disappearances, femicide, trafficking for sexual exploitation, child marriage, among others.

The same study adds that despite the widespread lack of data and research on the subject, available information demonstrates that Indigenous Women suffer higher rates of gender violence compared to non-Indigenous women, in addition to lower reporting rates, limited or lack of access to culturally and linguistically relevant and quality services, the absence of intercultural policies, limited access to justice, and insufficient prevention and protection policies against violence.

It is worth noting that in October 2022, General Recommendation No. 39 on the Rights of Indigenous Women and Girls was approved by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. It is a binding international legal instrument that arises from the understanding and interpretation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and is characterized by the recognition of the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. It also presents a comprehensive approach to addressing discrimination as a structural, historical problem with multidimensional impacts.

GR 39 has been a historic achievement of global Indigenous women’s networks through active participation, advocacy, and lobbying throughout the Committee sessions leading up to its approval.

Our approaches:

Individual and Collective Rights: The individual human rights of Indigenous Women must be understood in the context of the collective rights of their respective peoples and require a balance between their position within their community and their individuality as women.

Gender and the Rights of Indigenous Women: The human rights of Indigenous Women are an integral component of the collective rights of Indigenous peoples. The principles of the women’s movement are useful in promoting the human rights of Indigenous Women and influencing the policies of Indigenous organizations.

Intersectionality: Indigenous Women share various forms of discrimination, but they experience them in different ways depending on their age, sexual orientation, geographic location, disability, among other factors. Therefore, it will be necessary to ensure diverse perspectives to conduct specific analyses on the intersection between different forms of oppression, allowing them to identify equitable measures to address them.

Healing: Healing encompasses the body of ancestral knowledge and practices based on the worldviews of each culture, aimed at maintaining and restoring the balance and harmony of the individual and collective being. It helps prevent harm, release feelings of powerlessness, pain, fear, shock, anger, and guilt. For Indigenous Women, healing allows them to internalize the oppression and helps them recognize themselves again and be recognized by their community in their dignity and wholeness.

Interculturalism: The knowledge and recognition of the diversities of Indigenous Peoples, languages, clothing, spirituality, practices will facilitate intercultural relationships and help understand that interculturality is expressed through specific codes, contents, control systems, discourses, and the construction of truths and rationalities for each people and culture.

Intergenerational relationships: Grandparents, ancestors, wise individuals play a fundamental role in guiding and orienting the following seven generations, and this is ensured through the work of the Observatory.

Specific Objectives

2. Disseminate good practices in prevention, access to justice, healing, and reparation of violence, as replicable initiatives and references for policies and programs that highlight the role of Indigenous Women as agents of change.