Indigenous women and development in Peru (1990-2000)

Abstract

The situation of indigenous women in Peru is determined by the political, economic, social, cultural and gender structure of the country. If the country has little democratic, economic and political development, it is very difficult for the indigenous population to be integrated on equal rights with the rest of the population. In the case of indigenous women, they will be more affected and have fewer possibilities for development. However, faced with an adverse socioeconomic context, indigenous, peasant and feminist women's organizations implement strategies in favor of democracy and gender equality. The article analyzes official data comparing them with the reality of indigenous women through the political context, the Constitution, secondary laws, and also analyzes the socioeconomic situation, including brief data on education, health and social participation of indigenous women, gender relations and demands for citizenship. Finally, some development strategies that have been applied by indigenous women's organizations are reviewed. The time period considered in this article is four decades in Peru (1960 to 2000).