Tragically, colonization, genocide, and systemic racism have historically threatened the safety, self-determination, and survival of Indigenous communities — which has contributed to a number of health risks for Indigenous women and girls, including high rates of teen pregnancy, maternal death, and violence against women.

Indigenous women have always been leaders and teachers within their communities. Today, UNFPA works with Indigenous communities around the world to reach every woman and girl with lifesaving sexual and reproductive health care. Here are stories from some Indigenous leaders we’ve worked with:

When she became pregnant at 15, Cheymi was pressured by community members in Costa Rica to quit school. Nevertheless, she decided to continue her education.

Then, Cheymi was invited to participate in UNFPA-supported youth activities in her community. This was when she saw an opportunity to become a leader and advocate for the reproductive rights of Indigenous women and girls.

Cheymi wanted to be, "a bridge of information within my territory and within my community, where I could tell my experience to other girls, let them know that they can take care of themselves, that there are contraceptive methods."

Now, at 18, Cheymi continues to utilize her gift with words to challenge gender stereotypes. Her independent spirit carries her through as she strives to create a better life for her 3-year-old daughter, Adeline.

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María, a woman from the Wayúu and Arhauco peoples in the north of Colombia, needed urgent medical care when she went into labor. Her life, and the life of her child, were in danger.

She was reluctant to go to a local clinic until Leyla, a community health worker, reassured Maria that her Indigenous traditions and perspective would be respected if she sought medical care. Indigenous midwives like Leyla have played a pivotal role in making motherhood safe and respected in their communities.

María trusted Leyla and followed her to the clinic. There, Maria had access to an interpreter and even slept in a bed similar to the hand-woven hammocks, 'chinchorros,' she used in her home. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

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Edelmira lives in Peru in a largely Indigenous community in a remote mountainous region. She remembers when women used to die giving birth at home — and she was scared of it happening to her when she delivered her first two babies. But, now, Edelmira is a healthy mom of five and things are different for mothers in her community.

With the Churcampa Health Center operating in the community, maternal health has greatly improved. A big factor in making motherhood safe in Edelmira’s community was Indigenous women like her advocating for their practices to be respected and used in conjunction with medical care.

"Now we like to come to the Churcampa Health Center because they treat us like we are at our home, and [we can deliver] with the rope, and the way we like to be treated," Edelmira told us. "Our husbands also participate, and when they are not there, our families support us, just as we like it."

As Cheymi, Maris, and Edelmira’s stories demonstrate, Indigenous women and girls face unique challenges that prevent them from getting the lifesaving care they deserve. That’s why your support is so impactful — today, as we honor and celebrate Indigenous communities around the world, and always.

Stand with Indigenous women and girls today by making a charitable gift. With your support, we can continue to build a world where women and girls from all backgrounds have the care and support they need to reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for standing with Indigenous women and girls, today and always.

— USA for UNFPA