A journey through Peru and Bolivia illustrates the work the SHF champions to strengthen women-led labour education initiatives and support for Indigenous women engaged in the mining sector.
This past year, a delegation of Steelworker women visited South America to witness firsthand the outcomes of a labour education program that has equipped workers and unions with crucial knowledge of labour laws, occupational health and safety, and gender analysis. The delegation also visited private-sector unions to discuss women’s experiences in the face of national anti-worker policies in Peru.
A special emphasis was placed on learning about the experiences of Quechua and Aymara Indigenous women in Bolivia who depend on mining activities or are formally employed by large mining companies. These proud miners are challenging gender norms and taking on leadership roles in their communities and organizations despite oppressive patriarchal norms.
One of the most moving moments was a traditional ceremony involving a sacred fire and coca leaves, a powerful reminder of the deep cultural roots intertwined with mining practices in the Andean region. It was a chance for the delegation to learn the unique ways that Indigenous communities blend their heritage with their work.
SHF supports local organizations in Peru and Bolivia, including THANI, the Association Women Protecting Healthy Work, and the National Network for Women in Mining. They are led by women and play a critical role in fostering gender equality in the workplace.
Delegations provide a unique opportunity for USW women members to connect, share, and learn with participants of SHF-funded projects. While fostering a sense of solidarity, they allow women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to recognize shared challenges and celebrate their strengths. At the same time, they confirm the need to continue to address the systemic barriers faced by women throughout all our programs and initiatives.
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