神马午夜福利网

Indigenous Cambodian woman selling fish at a street market
Photo:Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock

 

Indigenous Women: Rights, resilience and leadership

Indigenous women are leaders, knowledge keepers and agents of change.

For generations, they have sustained cultures, protected lands and natural resources, preserved languages and strengthened the resilience of their communities. Their contributions are essential to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, climate action and the promotion of human rights around the world.

As custodians of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, Indigenous women play a vital role in food systems, the sustainable management of natural resources and the well-being of their communities. Their leadership drives solutions that benefit not only Indigenous Peoples, but society as a whole.

Yet Indigenous women continue to face multiple forms of discrimination based on gender, Indigenous identity, poverty and geographic isolation.

They experience disproportionately high levels of violence, barriers to accessing health care and education, limited access to land and resources, and unequal participation in decision-making processes. In many countries, they also remain underrepresented in data, public policies and institutions, reducing the visibility of the challenges they face and limiting recognition of their contributions.

Recognizing, supporting and investing in Indigenous women is not only a matter of justice; it is an essential condition for building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for people and the planet.

Did you know?

  • There are worldwide. 
  • Indigenous women experience , compounded by discrimination and limited access to essential services.
  • Less than , compared to just over half of non-Indigenous women.

 

Dilia Margarita Có Coy, Governor of Alta Verapaz in Guatemala, is a prominent Indigenous leader from the Poqomchi’ community with over two decades of advocacy for women, youth, and Indigenous peoples’ rights.  from UN Women. 

Do you want to enhance your understanding of Indigenous Peoples' rights and learn how to advocate for them? This  includes real stories, case studies, UN actions, activities, quizzes, tools, and resources to help you out. Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate. The course is free upon registration and available in English, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.