We are Lenca Women

Lenca Indigenous Women lead cultural revitalization and economic empowerment

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From September 4-6, 2024, the Gathering of Lenca Indigenous Women took place in the community of Yamaranguila in Intibucá, Honduras. This significant event under the Indigenous Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative (I-WEE) was born from a collective desire expressed by the Lenca women’s organizations the FSC Indigenous Foundation is working with. The Gathering was a space for exchange of knowledge and experiences among Lenca women for the revitalization of the Lenca culture.

The event was developed around four core themes, each addressing critical aspects of Lenca identity: spirituality, traditional food, mother language, and traditional plant medicine. It was organized with the support of an Organizing Committee of delegates nominated by all the organizations.

The meeting began with a spiritual ceremony led by the Auxiliary of the Vara Alta, a traditional Lenca Indigenous institution of Intibucá and Yamaranguila. Next, Regina Jun, Acting Director of the Program Office of USAID Honduras, gave opening remarks, highlighting the crucial role of Indigenous women in preserving the rich culture of their peoples. Carlos Blandón, Director of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program implemented by the FSC Indigenous Foundation, recognized Indigenous women as fundamental pillars of the development of their Peoples, who have an intrinsic connection with Mother Earth, their families, communities, and territories. Leila Reyes, Indigenous Affairs Officer of the Foundation and an Indigenous Lenca woman, explained the Gathering’s objective to strengthen Lenca culture based on the four priority areas.

Lenca Indigenous Spirituality

The Lenca worldview is deeply intertwined with nature, and their spiritual practices, such as “La Compostura” and “El Guancasco,” reflect this connection. Members of the Auxiliary of the Vara Alta de Intibucá demonstrated these symbolism-rich ceremonies. Then participants engaged in discussions about their significance and the challenges of preserving these traditions.

The “Guancasco” is a ceremony that promotes forgiveness and reconciliation between Peoples, traditionally celebrating peace and friendship between brothers and sisters. In the Lenca language, “Guanco” signifies brother and “Guanca” sister. The ceremony’s symbolic elements themselves have been passed down from generation to generation, such as the wooden mask, drum, baton, flags, and whistle. The ceremony involves the construction of two altars and represents a syncretism between Lenca spirituality and the Catholic Church.

The “Compostura” is a ceremony of thanksgiving and prayer to Mother Earth and the Creator, traditionally performed before planting or cultivating maize or beans. The ceremony is also an act of healing and includes an offering of chilcate, cacao, and copal – an incense that is food for the soul. The ceremony leads to unity, and harmony, and inspires people to return to their roots.

In the discussion, participants highlighted that Lenca cultural and spiritual practices are related to Mother Earth, for example, the phases of the moon. One participant noted that her ancestors cultivated crops according to the phases of the moon and always had abundant results. The Compostura also involves a deep respect for Mother Earth, since she represents life itself because she has the infinite capacity to bear fruit. The most important and significant Composturas of the Lenca People are for the planting and harvesting of corn, performed periodically throughout the year.

Lenca Traditional Gastronomy

Food in Lenca culture is not just sustenance but a sacred gift from the Creator. In the dialogue on Lenca traditional foods, the Indigenous women explored the cultural importance of these foods, particularly those made from corn and beans.
Lenca gastronomy is an expression of connection with Mother Earth and her elements and includes traditional dishes such as atol shuco (a maize drink), and different corn and bean stews. Lenca food is traditionally cultivated and prepared from ingredients grown under the sun, to nourish both the body and the spirit.

During this space, participants reflected on the profound relationship between food and culture as well as challenges faced in the revitalization of Lenca gastronomy. Fast food, food processed with chemicals, and gradual loss of culture and language are leading to the disappearance of Lenca traditional food, which used to be passed down from generation to generation. Another key challenge mentioned was the impact of climate change on the seasons and agriculture. In addition, existing limitations on women’s legal access to land also make it more difficult for them to preserve and maintain traditions.

Women proposed solutions, for example to use social media to promote Lenca food and culture to future generations.
The session concluded with sharing recipes and tasting different traditional dishes.

Reviving the Lenca Language

Given the loss of fluent speakers and the scarcity of written records, revitalizing the Lenca language is a priority for cultural preservation. Participants engaged in discussions and practical exercises to compile and share traditional words and phrases, highlighting the role of youth in preserving their linguistic heritage. During the event participants received a guide and basic dictionary of some words in the Lenca language.

“Language is important to our identity, it’s part of what makes us who we really are,” said Sandra Veronica Zerón, facilitator of this theme of the Gathering.

Plants as Sources of Traditional Lenca Medicine

The Lenca People have a deep ancestral knowledge of plants and their healing properties. Historically they have used this knowledge in their traditional medicine, a practice that has been orally transmitted from generation to generation, in which women play a key role.

However, these practices are now under threat. For example, deforestation and logging have caused many species to become extinct, and with them the knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples. Lidia Reyes, an ethnobotanical researcher, moderated this space for reflection and began the dialogue with the following question: “When cutting down a single tree, how many lives are lost with it?”

Participants formed groups to share knowledge and experience in the use of plants and their properties – such as oregano, chamomile, basil, ginger, pine, and lime.

“With each pine acorn, thousands of forests can be regenerated, and for each fungus that is left to throw spores, thousands of forests are regenerated. But iron and oil, which have replaced the resin of the trees, are not renewable. The day they disappear we will no longer have the fundamental elements for life,” said Lidia Reyes.

Event highlights

The event coincided with the International Day of Indigenous Women on September 5th, providing an opportunity to honor the crucial role Lenca women play in their families and communities. Each of the fourteen participating organizations received a symbolic piece of art painted by children attending the art school Lenca Chalchiguas in recognition of their historic work for the rights of women and Indigenous Peoples.

One of our partner organizations in Honduras, ARCILI, an organization for Lenca Peoples with visual disabilities participated in the event with Braille material promoting their inclusion in the activities. “The group of people with disabilities, in this case represented by ARCILI in this Gathering, has participated just like the other organizations and this is positive,” said Ruben Vasquz, ARCILI.

Understanding that childcare responsibilities can be a barrier for Indigenous women to participate in activities of interest, FSC-IF implemented a strategy to enable Lenca mothers to participate fully in the event. Children participated in culturally appropriate activities that followed the same four key areas of the Gathering, enabling mothers to engage in the exchange of knowledge, and for the children to play and learn about Lenca culture together.

The path ahead

This Gathering marked a significant step towards the cultural and economic empowerment of Lenca Indigenous women, ensuring that their identity and culture thrive for future generations. It recognized that Indigenous women are the guardians, protectors and defenders of Mother Earth, natural resources, tradition, and culture, promoting their role as a bridge for inter-scientific and intercultural dialogue. It is essential to continue recognizing, valuing and strengthening their fundamental role within their Peoples.

“Women should not crawl; they should have the momentum to fly. I know everyone has this impulse today.”
Rosario Garcia, Coordinator of the Table of Unity of the Lenca Indigenous People (MUPILH).

Participants stated the need to document the wisdom and practices of the Lenca People.
As a next step, we are working to document the knowledge shared during the Gathering and will share it with the participating women’s organizations to ensure that these invaluable insights will continue to benefit the Lenca community.

We invite organizations and entities to become our financial and technical partners to continue and multiply the important impact of I-WEE and other crucial initiatives. If your organization or business is interested in collaborating with us and with Indigenous women for sustainable change, we invite you to connect at  fsc.if@fsc.org. 

About I-WEE

The I-WEE initiative works with Indigenous women and girls in Guatemala and Honduras to promote their economic empowerment by strengthening capacities, generating enabling environments for their active participation and advocacy, and strengthening productive initiatives led by Indigenous women. It is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) with private sector partners.

About FSC Indigenous Foundation

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is a global Indigenous organization promoting Indigenous-led actions for their development and self-reliance. We work to elevate Indigenous Peoples in their contribution to the protection of Mother Earth and recognize them as providers of solutions and partners to fight against global challenges.

Rights, recognition, and economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples across Africa

At COP16 the FSC Indigenous Foundation signed an agreement with the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC)

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The Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC) is the largest Indigenous Peoples’ network in the world, made up of 135 Indigenous Peoples’ organizations in 21 African countries and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.

At the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16, the FSC Indigenous Foundation is pleased to announce that we are expanding our collaboration with IPACC. Together, we will work with and for Indigenous Peoples in Africa to promote rights, self-development, and landscapes across the continent.

Our collaboration will focus on:

Capacity sharing to advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Africa: including strategic planning, IPACC’s women’s strategy, and technical support.

Promoting recognition and participation of Indigenous Peoples: for rights and self-governance of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making related to land and resources management.

Diversifying economic activities rooted in Indigenous cosmovision and traditional knowledge: including resource mapping, partnerships, technical support, and small grants for Indigenous women-led enterprises.

The planned activities are part of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.

We believe that working together with Indigenous Peoples is crucial for both their communities and the well-being of our planet. Join us to create sustainable impact for Africa’s biodiversity and beyond.

For more information, please contact:

Salina Sanou

FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia and IPARD Deputy Director

s.sanou@fsc.org

Inclusive dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and the government in Kenya

We are excited to sign an agreement with the Ogiek Peoples Development Program at COP16 to expand our collaboration with and for the Ogiek Peoples and their forests.

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The Ogiek People have a deep, ancestral connection to the Mau Forest, viewing it as not just a physical space, but a vital part of their cultural identity and cosmovion. As guardians of this rich ecosystem, the Ogiek have practiced sustainable land management techniques for millenia that reflect their profound understanding of the forest’s biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge ensures the forest remains healthy and resilient.

In the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16, the FSC Indigenous Foundation signed an agreement with the Ogiek Peoples Development Program (OPDP) building on our existing project for Ogiek women’s socio-economic empowerment. We will expand our collaboration to support a dialogue between the Ogiek Peoples and government institutions regarding policies based on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Through this work, the Ogiek People will be able to sustainably manage and restore their forests while advocating for their rights and recognition of their traditional knowledge.

Read an article authored by OPDP Executive Director Daniel Kobei on how the Ogiek People are conserving medicinal forest plants for future generations.

Watch the video below to learn about the connection between the Ogiek People and biodiversity.

The planned activities are part of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD) Program, supported by USAID, the Forest Stewardship Council, and private sector partners.

Join us in supporting Indigenous Peoples’ rights and their invaluable connection to our forests. Together, we can support Indigenous Peoples to protect these vital landscapes for future generations.

For more information, please contact:

Salina Sanou

FSC-IF Regional Director for Africa and Asia and IPARD Deputy Director

s.sanou@fsc.org

Weaving Life

Indigenous women’s organizations of Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán, Guatemala gathered to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies, and dialogue with stakeholders.

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Quetzaltenango, Guatemala – The FSC Indigenous Foundation, in collaboration with Hivos and the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (AMPB), through the Coordinating Committee of Women Territorial Leaders of Mesoamerica (CMLT), organized a National Meeting of Indigenous Women’s Organizations of Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán, Guatemala. This significant event, part of the Indigenous Women’s Economic Empowerment (I-WEE) Initiative, took place on August 8 and 9, to strengthen the empowerment and advocacy of Indigenous women.

The event brought together more than 100 delegates from over 30 Indigenous women’s organizations participating in the I-WEE initiative and key stakeholders from international cooperation and private and public sectors. It served as a platform to explore new solutions and strategies for Indigenous women to be at the center of economic and political actions.

Participants shared knowledge, experiences, and strategies on three crucial topics:

Indigenous women’s political participation and advocacy
Addressing violence against Indigenous women
Economic empowerment of Indigenous women

The Mayan cosmovision was the foundation of the event, opening each day with an offering of gratitude and closing with a spiritual moment. Participants sat in a circle around an altar in the center with offerings of candles symbolizing the four cardinal points, as well as the Heart of Heaven, the Heart of the Earth, and flowers. The slogan for the event was “Weaving Life.”

Day 1: Empowerment and recognition among Indigenous women

During the first day, delegates of Indigenous women’s organizations connected, shared wisdom, and discussed their experiences on the three key topics.

In the first word circle, “Indigenous women and their participation in politics, in decision-making spaces and the challenges and opportunities encountered,” Indigenous women emphasized the importance of being recognized as active subjects in politics and decision-making. They shared challenges such as violence, machismo, competition between women, and discrimination, for example for wearing their traditional clothing. They proposed solutions for increasing the visibility of Indigenous women, starting in the family, all the way to participation in politics. Media and communications can be a tool for change. Another solution proposed was the need for workshops for men to understand how to treat and work with women. One conclusion was clear – the need for regulations promoting parity and alternation, not just in the political sphere.

Those who did not have the opportunity to speak added their ideas with post-it notes to the wall, and this information was collected and incorporated into the dialogues the following day with stakeholders.

The next word circle, “Advocacy actions that can be implemented by communities to reduce violence against Indigenous women,” featured two life stories of Indigenous women survivors of violence who have managed to leave abusive relationships. They have taken on leadership roles in their communities, helping others to overcome violence.

Solutions were proposed at all levels, including the need for justice; training for women on rights and for the staff of institutions that guarantee women’s rights on how to provide dignified, respectful, accessible, and culturally relevant care; and the importance of self-love.

“I feel fortunate to be a Mayan woman,” said one participant.

Participants also discussed the importance of healing processes and ceremonies, and Nan Graciela Velasquez Chuc led a healing process with plants.

The final word circle of the day, “What is being done for the economic development and entrepreneurship of Indigenous women” included interventions from women involved in various economic projects, from textiles to chocolate and tomatoes. In the absence of political participation due to racism, economic development was noted as a key channel for Indigenous women’s empowerment.

Women shared their stories to create businesses, highlighting key challenges such as water scarcity, harvest loss, sanitary licenses, organizational strengthening, production equipment, and the need for increased technical knowledge. Indigenous women’s organizations have been overcoming these challenges through knowledge exchanges, healing from the Mayan cosmovision, and articulating exactly what they wanted to achieve. One participant noted that this is the definition of empowerment – knowing what you want and seeing the path to achieve it.

As a closing of this word circle, Patricia Chuc led a self-care and wellness activity that incorporated breathing, motion, and water.

The day concluded with a cultural evening with a performance by the Maya Kaqchikel group Sotz’il Jay and a reading by Mayan poet Negma Coy. It invited a reflection on how art can be healing and a uniting force.

Day 2: Collaborative dialogues with key actors

On the second day, key actors from communities, Indigenous Peoples’ authorities, local and national governments, UN agencies, implementing partners, multilateral organizations, businesses, and civil society joined the event for inclusive dialogues. The contributions and insights from Indigenous women gathered the previous day were organized into prioritized topics. These were then shared during the dialogues to ensure the creation of impactful actions and strategies that consider the identity and culture of Indigenous women.

The first dialogue “Actions to promote the political participation of Indigenous women” highlighted the importance of Indigenous women’s own mobilization and advocacy. Participants also noted the need for transparent information on resources directed to them, and for projects and programs that respond to Indigenous women’s realities, priorities, and leadership.

Indigenous women’s power and valuable contributions were highlighted, especially in the promotion of peace. Women have different ways of seeing and making decisions, and this complementarity is needed at all levels. One Indigenous woman participant noted the “wealth of the struggles we have in common.”

At the end of this dialogue, the Indigenous women participants read the demands they had formulated the day before, which included: reform of the Electoral and Political Parties Law, promoting that each political party has at least 50% participation of Indigenous women; creation and promotion of opportunities for women by the State to participate in socio-political environments under equal conditions; strengthening and financing of institutions created to protect and promote the rights of Indigenous women.

The second dialogue “Actions to prevent and reduce violence against Indigenous women” highlighted the importance of education of women and youth on their rights.

The women’s demands included: a judicial system that responds effectively to complaints of violence with cultural relevance; better medical and psychological health care for survivors of violence, as well as training for health personnel; mass visual and radio awareness campaigns aimed at the entire population to promote a culture of peace and prevention of violence; culturally relevant care for women in Mother languages with respect for their culture, beliefs, and way of life; laws, policies, plans and programs in favor of women respond to their needs and emerge from the grassroots level.

The final dialogue of the day “I support economic development and Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship” highlighted the need for concrete and transparent funding, beyond words of commitment.

The women read their demands in this area, mentioning: facilitating market access for Indigenous women’s products; providing women with seed capital to strengthen their enterprises; providing Indigenous women with new technologies and capacity building for their use, together with their Indigenous knowledge; promoting spaces for the exchange of experiences at the local, national, regional and international levels with Indigenous women entrepreneurs; and that implementing partners do not duplicate efforts, but rather develop integral processes according to their specialties to support enterprises.

To close the two-day event, participants received recognition awards created in wood with the name of the event in ancient Mayan epigraphic writing, before an energetic closing before the alter to end the two-day meeting.

Pioneering elements of this initiative

The FSC Indigenous Foundation introduced several pioneering elements at the event, emphasizing an Indigenous women’s cosmovision perspective.

One of the key innovations was providing simultaneous interpretation in the Mayan languages K’iche’ and Mam, in addition to Spanish and English, to facilitate participation in the women’s mother languages. The FSC-IF, in collaboration with Angloservicios, provided training for the K’iche’ and Mam interpreters on using Zoom’s virtual interpretation booths. This likely marks the first time simultaneous interpretation of Indigenous languages has been included in a national event in Guatemala.

Another crucial element was childcare provision, recognizing that many women cannot attend activities and workshops due to childcare responsibilities. The FSC-IF has incorporated childcare in all I-WEE workshops so mothers participate fully while their children engage and learn together. Facilitators used a ludo-pedagogical methodology, incorporating elements of the Mayan cosmovision for the children.

The way forward

This event underscores the commitment of the FSC Indigenous Foundation and its partners to support Indigenous women’s organizations in Guatemala to lead their development. The Meeting initiated concrete actions to promote Indigenous women’s economic, political, and social empowerment.

FSC-IF will consolidate the results of the dialogues of the meeting together with the demands articulated by Indigenous women. We will return this information to the Indigenous women’s organizations to accompany them, together with partners and allies, in positioning in different spaces and mechanisms of decision-making, resource mobilization, and design and implementation of programs and projects.

We are continuously seeking technical and financial partners to expand our work with I-WEE and other crucial initiatives. If your organization or business is interested in collaborating with us and with Indigenous women for sustainable change, we invite you to connect at fsc.if@fsc.org.

About I-WEE

The I-WEE initiative works with Indigenous women and girls in Guatemala and Honduras to promote their economic empowerment by strengthening capacities, generating enabling environments for their active participation and advocacy, and strengthening productive initiatives led by Indigenous women. It is implemented by FSC-IF in collaboration with partners AMBP, Hivos, UNDP, FAO, and UN Women / Indigenous Women’s Platform and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) with private sector partners.

About FSC Indigenous Foundation

The FSC Indigenous Foundation is a global Indigenous organization promoting Indigenous-led actions for their development and self-reliance. We work to elevate Indigenous Peoples in their contribution to the protection of Mother Earth and recognize them as providers of solutions and partners to fight against global challenges.

About AMPB

The Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (AMPB) is a network of Indigenous Peoples and local communities that protect the largest forested areas from Panama to Mexico, seeking solutions for a balanced coexistence with nature safeguarding ancestral knowledge and combining it with innovative ideas. The AMPB promotes capacity building for Indigenous women through the Coordinating Unit of Territorial Women Leaders of Mesoamerica (CMLT).

About Hivos

The Humanist Institute for the Cooperation with Developing Countries (Hivos) is an international organization working for a world in which people can realize their full potential and unleash their ingenuity and creativity to build just and sustainable societies for themselves and future generations. Hivos’ mission is to amplify and connect voices that promote social and environmental justice and challenge power imbalances.

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