"Understanding Indigenous Women's Rights"

Indigenous women from across Brazil united for the Third March of Indigenous Women in Brasília, rallying for their rights and celebrating victories while highlighting ongoing challenges. Over 5,000 Indigenous women representing all 26 states covered a 4 km (2.5 miles) distance to the National Congress. Their demands centered on territorial rights and ending gender-based violence, under the theme “Women Biomes in Defense of Biodiversity Through Ancestral Roots.”

These women play a vital role in preserving Brazil’s diverse biomes, such as rainforests, savannas, and semi-deserts, which they consider inseparable from their bodies and culture. Their struggle traces back to the invasion of Brazil, with Indigenous women shifting from being seen as objects to body-territories, becoming frontline advocates for their rights.

Despite progress like the creation of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and land demarcation resumption, challenges persist. The Marco Temporal legal thesis poses a threat, requiring Indigenous occupation of land since the 1988 Constitution’s enactment. With right-wing influence in Congress, the proposed Marco Temporal could hinder land demarcation and reignite conflicts.

The march occurred between two crucial sessions of Brazil’s Supreme Court, hoping to sway its decision. Female ministers signed acts to combat violence and promote Indigenous women’s participation in policymaking.

While Indigenous rights face uncertainty, these women remain steadfast in their struggle, celebrating victories and defending their hard-won spaces in society. They are determined to secure their survival and rights in the face of challenges.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Yes Magazine