T his panel was hosted by the International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI) and went over the ways in which we can increase the representation and visibility of indigenous women in all spheres of the professional and social environment. Indigenous women continue to be underrepresented and it is imperative that we work collectively to amplify the voices of indigenous women and create an engaging platform to advance progress.
The Forum began with discussions on how indigenous women have been instrumental in promoting values for equality. Preceding the 2030 Agenda, indigenous women had a strong voice in advocating for the principles outlined in the agenda. In culmination of the agenda, there have been various references for indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, the panelists stressed that including indigenous women in global institutional representation and fighting for their rights in relation to heritage, gender, and the land, must be top priorities.
In addition, panelists were able to share their experiences as indigenous women and as champions in advocating for equality. Panelists came from across the world and highlighted the importance of advocating for the human rights of indigenous women in all continents. Furthermore, in strengthening the cause then this will involve grants, increased capacity-building, social participation, and greater global engagement.
Moderator:
- Yanerit Morgan: Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly
Speakers:
- Maria Fernanda Espinosa: President of the 73rd UN General Assembly and GWL Voices member
- Cristina Gallach: Former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and for Ibero-America and the Caribbean and GWL Voices member
- Elvira Constantina Pablo Antonio: Policy and Member Engagement Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean at Girls Not Brides
- Jandi Craig: Member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and a 2017 Indigenous Fellow at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in Gneva
- Lucy Mulenkei: Executive Director of the Indigenous Information Network and the co-founder and co-chair of the Indigenous Women Biodiversity Network
- Radhika Coomaraswamy: Former Under Secretary General and the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict and GWL Voices member
