In 1998, we started broadcasting a radio show, because that was the only way to communicate en masse with women in rural communities.
Since the beginning, Minga’s intention was not to impose an agenda, but rather to find out what women wanted for themselves and their families. We invited them to write to us, and we coordinated with boats to pick up and deliver their letters. Right away, the letters starting coming–mostly written by women, many of them mothers.
They told
us their fears, their concerns, and their hopes. They wanted more opportunities. To learn new things. To break the cycle of violence. To live happily in peace. To raise children with a better future than they themselves had.
For many women, it was their first time writing a letter, and their first time speaking about these things.
Reading those letters, it confirmed our belief: if we were going to contribute to making real, sustainable change in these communities, we had to start with women.
 Why? Because their rights were less recognized than men’s. Because they were the most likely to suffer from lack of resources, domestic violence, early pregnancy, sickness, abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Because women were more often the guardians of their cultures, those who passed it onto their children. It is women who understand the power of community and maintain their deep connection with the rainforest. And because they were ready. They were ready to give it all—time, knowledge, talent, work—to make the changes they needed. |
~ Sadith from Puerto Prado
8 years as a promotora
We invited women to come to workshops, where they learned about health, leadership, self-esteem, economic development, and other opportunities. Dozens, then hundreds, of women began coming to Tambo Minga. Many became promotoras, completing 3 years of cumulative training, and passing on what they learned to their communities. It wasn’t always easy. Many were mocked and called names for coming to el Tambo for training, accused of abandoning their families, harassed for doing something new and different. But they kept coming back. |
Before, there were no women who spoke. Now women speak in assemblies.
“Minga does not give money, she says. «Minga gives ideas. They bring out what you are from within».”
During our early workshops, many of these women told us «This is my only chance. This is the inheritance I will leave to my children.»
Soon, their roles in the communities began to change. They began to take on leadership roles. They began to report massive changes, such as:
- 1,200 women are now leaders in communities where the right to participate in group decisions or hold public office was not recognized.
- Greater equity and economic opportunities for women and girls.
- Less violence, lower rate of teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, andearly breast and uterine cancer detection.
- Greater awareness and prevention of human trafficking.
- Less pressure on the rainforest andincreased resilience in the face of climate change
∼Doris, from the community San Francisco
8 years as a promotora
When women step into their power, a ripple effect begins to echo outward within social circles (to friends, neighbors, regions) and into the future (to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren).
These changes cannot be underestimated.
When you support Minga, you help initiate and maintain this ripple effect throughout the Amazon and the world.
This May, as we celebrate mothers and all women, we hope you’ll support these amazing transformations.
Support women in the Amazon now
Please note that our donations are processed through Caf America, our U.S. fiscal sponsor. We are a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.