Thursday 15 October; a date for your diary. We commemorated International Rural Women’s Day with a talk to female members of El Bramadero. The meeting was set for 2pm, however the ‘Nicaraguan hour’ meant the start time was at three. We were initially worried when at two-thirty no one was present. We were premature in our angst and received a good attendance.
The meeting was kick-started by the impressive and indefatigable Olga, Secretary of the Association of Women Producers (ASOMUPRO), our local partner organisation. The event is in respect of legislation passed that assists rural women in Nicaragua and has been recognised since 2008. Interestingly, this was followed by a game of musical chairs, a novel item on an agenda in my experience, but not to say unsuccessful. Reggaeton certainly has a way of enthusing most situations and providing a ‘fiesta’ vibe.
We UK volunteers introduced our section by each paying respect to impressive women in our lives. This was done to illustrate the similarity in experiences of the fundamental roles Mothers, Grandmothers, Wives, Partners, Sisters, Daughters play wherever you are from.
Our presentation was an explanation of the differences between UK women and Nicaraguan rural women, such as the non-comparability of women living in rural communities between both countries, especially our instant access to water, electricity, internet and transport systems, to name a few. Other differences were raised including the mobility and choice afforded in the West and the diversity that exists with family units. However, the discussion maintained an admiration of the sense of community and solidarity that exists among rural women and an understanding and appreciation of a common struggle. The event concluded with a fun drawing game and a raffle and a rallying cry of
“VIVA LAS MUJERES.”
Written by ICS volunteer Martin Leonard
