Featured photo: Communicator Hanenias / Wakywai Network
The Indigenous community of Morcego, in the Murupu region, municipality of Boa Vista, hosted the regional seminar on the Rights of Indigenous Women, Violence, and Self-Esteem from November 30th to December 1st. The activity was carried out by the Secretary of the Indigenous Women's Movement of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), Maria Betânia, of the Macuxi people, in partnership with FORD and the Amazon Cooperation Network (RCA). Seventy leaders participated, including young people, women, and traditional leaders.
Important topics were addressed: What is domestic violence against women? Psychological consequences caused by violence, anxiety, depression and suicide, with psychologist Iterniza Pereira, from the Macuxi people. Indigenous women's rights, the Maria da Penha Law, what measures should be taken in the face of violence, with legal counsel from CIR, Dr. Maria Luíza, in addition to the empowerment and strengthening of indigenous women, strengthening autonomy and restoring women's self-esteem, with Secretary Maria Betânia.
Photos: Márcia Fernandes ASCOM/CIR and Sheila Carlo/ Rede Wakywai
“These are relevant issues, where leaders always request more information and knowledge in order to set goals and develop an action plan regarding these topics, which will be worked on with young people, men, and women, so that we can increasingly bring well-being to the communities,” Betânia highlighted.
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Photos: Márcia Fernandes ASCOM/CIR
Leirejane Nagelo Macuxi, the chief of the Morcego community, knows that these are sensitive topics within the community. She said that the Murupu region was privileged to have received the seminar. She emphasized its importance for women and youth, and hopes for significant progress in knowledge and prevention. She also hopes for more actions within indigenous communities. "We know it's a very sensitive topic, but we are managing to discuss these issues in our community and bring support and clarification of their rights to victims of violence. I understand that this is the beginning of a major prevention effort, so we can truly achieve our goals."
Photos: Márcia Fernandes ASCOM/CIR
On that occasion, participants developed an action plan to prevent violence in the communities, identifying what actions they could take. This was part of the 21st Day of Activism Against Domestic Violence. Certificates were awarded at the end. The region includes five indigenous communities: Serra da Moça, Serra do Truaru, Truarú da Cabeceira, Anzol, and Morcego.