We Women Warriors Reflection
In Colombia's war-torn indigenous villages, three brave women from distinct tribes use nonviolent resistance to defend their peoples' survival. Warfare between the guerrillas, paramilitary groups, and armed forces endangers Colombia's 102 aboriginal groups, dozens of which face extinction because of the conflict. Despite being trapped in a prolonged conflict financed by the drug trade, indigenous women are resourcefully leading and creating transformation imbued with hope.
Doris is a young Awá tribal leader who takes charge to protect a group of internal refugees fleeing combat between the army and the guerrillas. While speaking at a U.N. press conference in Colombia’s capital, she learns that five people from her village were slain by masked men. Despite the risks, Doris returns to her village. She continues leading the vulnerable Awá people whose living, growing coca leaves, which are the base for cocaine, makes them targets for the U.S. funded fumigations. Doris is determined to defend her people and end the violence by speaking out.
Ludis is a Kankuamo widow, and mother of three, who is framed and imprisoned on false charges of rebellion. After a year, Ludis is released from prison. She returns to her village and forms a weaving collective with other female victims of the systematic murders perpetrated by paramilitary bands. Later, Ludis confronts her husbands’ killer and spares her sons from perpetuating this cycle of violence.
Flor Ilva is the first woman entrusted to lead her 300-year-old Nasa tribal government. She faces a crisis caused by police barracks that endanger civilians by placing them in the rebels’ line of fire. After the army kills an 11-year-old boy, Flor Ilva spearheads a peaceful movement to dismantle the barracks. Despite this small victory, Flor Ilva and her people are still not safe. Their tribal lands continue to be militarized by opposing armies.