Ingrid defends women in Ecuador: "Equality is the absolute dream."
March 07 2024
3 minutes
In Ecuador, women are still trapped in traditional gender roles and inequality. They are all too often victims of violence and discrimination. But Ingrid García Minda is on the barricades to change that. As an Afro-Ecuadorian woman, she knows better than anyone how women experience inequality in different ways. As coordinator of 11.11.11-partner INREDH protects and defends the rights of women.
What challenges do women in Ecuador face and how does INREDH stand up for them?
"There are many girls and women in Ecuador victim of sexual violence. Deep-rooted inequality and harmful gender norms are the cause. Also femicides, or murders of women, occur very often. Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian women are also extra vulnerable because they are discriminated against in various ways; on the basis of gender as well as, for example, skin color and origin.”
“INREDH takes action against all violations or threats to human rights. We provide training and awareness, and focus primarily on the defending victims in courtrooms. In the majority of our cases we protect and defend women.”
Is there a story that has stuck with you?
“A case that particularly affects us is that of Juliana Campoverde, a woman who was kidnapped but has not yet been found. The culprit, an evangelical pastor, was convicted of kidnapping resulting in death.”
“This case has drawn attention to the problem of disappearances in Ecuador, especially women. It has led to the need to identify disappearances as crimes, and not just as an administrative procedure. Together with the organization ASFADEC, an association of relatives and friends of missing persons, we have pressure put on policy makers for the Missing Persons Act. Now we are following up on the law being translated into action.”
You also specifically focus on youth and women's rights. What do you hope to achieve with this?
“With INREDH we have a school for political education founded where young organizational leaders learn how to defend human rights. There is also a specific gender module to understand complex topics such as gender diversity, women's struggles in Latin America, and gender-based violence. We hope that with this knowledge, young people will be able to identify and to become defenders to stop this violence in their habitats.”
Who inspired you to stand up for women's rights?
"Irma BautistaShe is the director of Conamune, an association of black women, and she inspires me because of her inclusive and equal vision. She offers resistance in difficult times and always enters into dialogue to resolve misunderstandings. The wisdom that Irma shows in her speaking and writing, testifies to her commitment to a dignified life and a just society. Not only within the Afro-Ecuadorian community, but also in her relationship with indigenous peoples, the montubia population and the mestizo population.”
What is your hope for the future of women worldwide?
"Equality is the absolute dream. Women need equal access to education, health and work, but also smaller things like being able to freely enjoy hobbies. It must be over that women all over the world, from different cultures, feel oppressed in every aspect of life. Barriers and walls must be broken down. That is why we, women, keep fighting for ourselves and for other women.”
Protect Ecuadorian women with a donation
With your donation to 11.11.11 help protect and defend women in Ecuador. Together we build an equal and safe society, there and here. Thank you for your support, you make the difference.
