"Extractive violence against the land and violence against Indigenous women go hand and hand. We believe that healing women is also healing the earth."
– Nina Gualinga

Over the last few weeks, I traveled with a few of my colleagues from Amazon Watch, including: Sofía Jarrín, Alejandra Yépez, Nina Gualinga, and Angela Martínez. We went to the Ecuadorian Amazon to show solidarity with Indigenous women defenders in a series of events for International Women’s Day and month.

I return inspired and filled with hope, love, and gratitude for the strength and courage of these powerful women as they face ever-increasing threats to their lives, land, and bodies due to extraction, patriarchy, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. We are honored to support these initiatives via our advocacy programs, Amazon Defenders Fund, and our growing Women Defenders Program.

Learn more about Leila's visit with Mujeres Amazónicas!