"We are not alone. We are organized, we are protecting each other, and we are not afraid."

– Patricia Gualinga

Over 100 Amazonian women, representing multiple indigenous nations across Ecuador, came together to march for the dignity of their peoples, to reclaim their songs and wisdom, to re-ignite their fight against extractivism, and to address social inequality and the rampant impunity for those who attack defenders of nature.

According to Patricia Gualinga, this year three defenders of nature were threatened and branded as "terrorists" and criminalized for defending their territory from extractive companies. She says, "We've been victims of persecution and smeared by the media."

In the face of constant threats to human rights defenders, Patricia affirms that "as a result of the concession of our territories, Amazonian women are uniting to make our voices heard." Indigenous land in Ecuador remains under the threat of concession, a process by which the government grants companies access for oil exploration and extraction.