The mission of Mujer U'wa is to support Indigenous U'wa women in the jungles of Colombia to build female leadership, as they contribute to peace building in a war zone and a territory that is rich in petroleum and natural resources. Mujer U'wa is made up of Indigenous U'wa women in Colombia and Indigenous & Latina women volunteers in the US who raise funds, spread awareness and build community.
In early 2004, a women's group was formed to honor the life of Yamile Uncasia, a young woman leader brutally killed in January 2004 by illegal armed actors. The women began to organize and this new energy led to the creation of new models of participation, where men and women work to strengthen the role of women in the movement for peace and Indigenous rights. With women in leadership, the U’wa struggles have the potential to transform Indigenous movements for human rights and self-determination, both in the U’wa community and beyond.
The women leaders' strength, commitment, love and depth s
hows through - as they conduct workshops deep in the jungle, learn traditional weaving, organize around food security, study law and medicine and protect sacred sites.
Current funded projects include:
- Leadership Workshops;
- Food Security and Health;
- Traditional Arts and Economic Sustainability; and
- Higher Education Scholarships.
From outside of Colombia, we raise funds, spread awareness and build community.
To donate to “Mujer U’wa”, you may give online or make a check payable to “Peace Development Fund” with “Mujer U’wa” in the memo line and mail to: Peace Development Fund, P.O. Box 1280, Amherst, MA 01004-1280. Your donation is fully tax-deductible, as the Peace Development Fund is a nonprofit organization with 501c3 status.
A donation of $100 will provide the materials, transportation, and food for a leadership training and skills-building workshop for 26 U’wa women on political education, food security, women’s health, or traditional weavings. Or, consider giving a monthly donation of $10, just the cost of your lunch at a café, once a month!
A gift of any size will go a long way! Thank you!
(mujeruwa1 [at] gmail [dot] com).
