Original Video: WOMEN

 

Maria: An Actual Story

My name is Maria, and I am a proud Peruvian woman living in Lima Metropolitana. I have experienced firsthand the common prejudices and discrimination that many women face in our society. As a resident of the vibrant district of Barranco, I have witnessed the complexities of the typical Limeña lifestyle.

I work in a medium-scale company, where I hold a managerial position. Despite my qualifications and dedication, I often encounter gender biases in the workplace. It is disheartening to see that my male colleagues receive more recognition and opportunities for career growth, while I constantly have to prove my worth and capabilities.

However, I refuse to let these obstacles define me. In my free time, I am an active advocate for women's rights. I believe in the power of education and empowerment to combat discrimination. I organize workshops and awareness campaigns, aiming to create a more inclusive and equal society for women in Lima.

Living in Barranco has exposed me to the unique dynamics of the district. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, it attracts people from diverse backgrounds. But even within this artistic and culturally rich community, sexism persists. I have encountered situations where my opinions were dismissed simply because of my gender.

While attending a local gathering one evening, I joined a conversation about women's rights. To my surprise, some individuals scoffed at the idea of gender equality, claiming that women should stay in traditional roles. It was disheartening to witness such ignorance and disregard for the progress we have made.

Despite these challenges, I persevere. I draw strength from the unity and solidarity I find among fellow activists. Together, we organise rallies, participate in forums, and engage in dialogue to challenge societal norms. We aim to change mindsets, break down stereotypes, and foster an environment where every woman's voice is heard and respected.

In my personal life, I am surrounded by a supportive network of friends and family. My parents, although they grew up in a generation with more traditional values, have always encouraged my pursuit of education and independence. They understand the importance of gender equality and have instilled in me the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

As I navigate through life as a Peruvian woman in Lima, I constantly strive to overcome stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes. I am determined to create a better future for myself and future generations. By challenging societal norms and advocating for women's rights, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equal society, where every woman is celebrated for her achievements and potential.

The Little Big Steps

“In 1874, Trinidad María Enríquez Ladrón de Guevara, a student noted for her outstanding grades, was the first woman to be granted the right of access to  university education. As a result of that event, on November 7, 1908, Law 801 was enacted, which allowed women to access higher education. Trinidad Enríquez graduated as a lawyer.” (RPP, 2018)

This was one of the most important events in the Peruvian history for women, since having access to education is basically the base of your future and life. Peruvian women have always wanted to overcome themselves to finally be able to guarantee a good level of life by themselves, not needing a man.  Wishing more than just being in charge of the house and children. It's lovely to be a mother if it is on your list, but it is not what all women want. Women have personal desires and goals to achieve, education has opened doors to new opportunities. As Trinidad Enriquez since 1908 women have granted the right to university education to follow their dream careers exercising them with passion and making money out of them, money that now belongs to the ones who have worked for it. Using it to whatever they please, it could also be used to support a house, deconstructing society roles.

“In 1955 they were granted the right to vote and register in the Electoral Registry, but it was not until 1979 that all women of legal age were able to exercise this right unrestrictedly, since it was only then that the illiterate population and native communities were included.” (ONPE, s. f.)

Now this marked a before and after, women already had the access to education, but then men were the only who could vote and had a voice to elect someone to represent them, including regional, district and more. It was hard in the process due to data collection of every woman, even women who were living within communities or were illiterate. After a couple of years all women could vote, this was a tiny big step of what could be achieved if there is determination and support.

General Elections of 1956: The day that Peruvian women participated for the first time in general elections

“Law No. 10967, in 1949, introduced the provision of military service for women, but with some restrictions due to education and customs of the time. Seven years later, women were included in the Investigative Police of Peru. The Peruvian Police was the first institution in Latin America to include women in its ranks” (RPP, 2018)

Being a woman does not mean being part of the weak gender. It is true that biologically men tend to be stronger than women, but this should not be generalized. The fact that the Peruvian military service and the national police have begun to receive women in their force is a great advance in terms of equality. Today, there are female police officers who are even stricter and more competent than male police officers, but again, this has nothing to do with the gender they belong to. However, there are still social stereotypes and criticisms that make women hesitate before entering these institutions, even when it is their vocation. This happens because they are aware of the disadvantage that they will have to confront and the work, which will have to be twice as hard as a man's, to achieve the same position.

Bibliography

• RPP. (2018, marzo 8). Infografía | Los derechos conquistados por la mujer peruana a través de los años. RPP Noticias. https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/infografia-los-derechos-conquistados-por-la-mujer-peruana-a-traves-de-los-anos-noticia-1109205 
• Proyecto ONPE-CE: Participación política de las mujeres en el Perú. (s. f.). https://www.onpe.gob.pe/proyectomujer/como.htm#:~:text=En%201955%20se%20les%20otorg%C3%B3,analfabeta%20y%20de%20comunidades%20ind%C3%ADgenas 

Feminism in Perú

The following documentary focuses on the history of women and the strength with which they have been able to overcome all the obstacles that were presented to them.

It is important to rescue and highlight that feminism is not a war against men or about being the gender that has priority. Feminism is a social and political movement that formally began at the end of the 18th century -although without yet adopting this denomination- and  supposes the awareness of women as a human group or collective, of the oppression, domination, and exploitation of wicht they have been and are object by the  collective of men within the patriarchy in all  the different historical phases of production model, which moves feminist to action for the liberation of their sex with all the transformations of society that it requires.

Think of the first woman lawyer or the first woman doctor and imagine everything they had to go through, all the path they were building so that, today, women can be what they want to be.

The woman of today must be grateful for what she has and recognize the path that her ancestors followed. However, this should not end there, there are still many barriers to destroy and stereotypes to break. 

That is why it's important for them to know their history, everything they did not have in the past, but they do have in the present, to recognize every small thing that still has to be changed and all the rights they have to defend in order to achieve real equality in their beloved society.

Bibliography

• TVPerú [@tvperu]. (2017, marzo 29). Sucedió en el Perú - Feminismo - 27/03/2017. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I3iCUieYUQ

Strong Warrior Women: Rabonas

 “..the rabonas were of indigenous or mestizo origin. While they were not officially linked to the army, they fulfilled typically nurturing roles such as providing sustenance and clothing, participating in military activities, and responding to the soldiers’ sexual needs.”

“While the rabonas never became formal participants, they established themselves as the soldiers’ companions, ‘‘in this way compensating for the absence of family’’; they came to be called rabonas because they marched last, bringing up the rear, or tail (the rabo), in military caravans.”

“...rabonas work and sacrifice themselves for the good of the soldiers despite receiving nothing in return: they approach the townspeople in order to gather provisions; bear children; care for them; plus, they carry arms, and withstand inclement weather.”

The role of "rabonas" in the described historical context is complex and reveals the gender inequalities present in that time. Although these women provided essential support to the soldiers, both in terms of sustenance and emotional support, they were in a subordinate position and received little acknowledgement or reciprocity.

It is troubling that these women were asked to fulfill multiple roles, including caring for the soldiers, satisfying their sexual needs, and providing logistical support, without receiving adequate compensation. This dynamic reinforces the idea of women as providers of services and objects of male satisfaction, rather than recognizing them as individuals with their own needs and rights.

Although their contribution often went unnoticed in official history, it is important to acknowledge and honor the role of these women as a significant support and help in times of need. Their silent labor and dedication ought to be recognized as a testament to the strength and tenacity of Peruvian women throughout that time period.

“In the 19th century, the role of women in the public sphere began to change. Women were not considered capable of participating in public debates or as subjects of rights. In Peru, this reality began to change with Enlightenment thinking. The press and literature played a central role in the emancipation of women. These women writers constructed different models of femininity, and in some cases, their positions caused scandals, disapproval, and even exile.

From the 1840s onwards, novels and other writings by women authors started to appear. Among them was the Argentine writer Juana Manuela Gorriti (1816-1892), who went into exile in Peru. In 1845, she published her first story, "La quena," in the Revista de Lima. In her writings, she presented marginalized characters and placed women as part of the historical drama.

(...) The Construction of Femininity

The women of 19th-century Lima were called the "fair sex," an attribute appreciated but also feared and, therefore, controlled through moral precepts and power practices. The discourses praising women for their aesthetic qualities were accompanied by recommendations for modesty, industriousness, and even emulation of saints or, failing that, early marriage. As a result, girls' education was primarily directed at making them good wives. (...)”

Bibliography

• Vanesa Miseres (2012) On a Republic in Ruins: Flora Tristan's Peregrinations of a Pariah and the Role of the Rabonas in Nineteenth-Century Peru
• Google Arts & Culture. Pensadoras peruanas del siglo XIX - Google Arts & Culture. (2013). Google Arts & Culture; Google Arts & Culture. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/peruvian-female-thinkers-of-the-19th-century/PgVxfbTnXZ4yrA

A Real Change in Esperanza's Life?

Hello everyone, my name is Esperanza, weird name right? I remember asking my parents why they chose that name and they said that Peru was going through a really hard time when they found out my mother was pregnant, so they named me after the hope that I represented for the family and the wishes that they had for my future. During my parents’ youth and my childhood, my country went through different eras, so we constantly lived in uncertainty. That’s the reason why, when we found out that Peru was going to be freed, we couldn’t stop thinking about how the situation was finally going to change. 

Unfortunately, nothing happened the way we wanted to. Yes, the country had been declared independent, but that was it. Perhaps our expectations were too high, but how could it not be? We had been living so many years in difficulty and waiting for a better lifestyle with possibilities and freedom, but all we had was disappointment. In a way, things did change, but it was just not for us. The people from the upper class were happier than ever, while the rest of the country had to live with it. At least, I didn’t have to use tapadas limeñas anymore. I was tired of covering my face every time I was walking by myself, I always had to be with any man around in order to avoid social condemnation.

That’s kind of the thing that made me think about the fact that I felt so different from my brother. We were born in the same place and grew up with the same family, the only distinction between us was that he was a man and I was a woman. For me, that seemed like a tiny differentiation, however, for everyone else, it wasn’t. He was allowed to walk alone and do so many things that I could only dream about. I know that his life wasn’t easy, but at least he had a life. He had the opportunity of representing, defending and honoring our country, while I was just at home taking care of my father. 

I remember hearing conversations about a group of women who fighted for the country’s freedom. If I had the chance, I would’ve loved to be one of them, but because of my family’s social class, I was not allowed to. I think they were called rabonas. Their  purpose was to accompany the military around campaigns and help them with food, clothing, and most important nursing. That’s why they had to have health knowledge, so they could take care of fallen and hurt warriors. I had an obsession with rabonas and especially with Antonia de Caceres. She achieved all of the chores before mentioned but also carried her daughters to the war so they could be supporting her husband and father Andres Avelino Caceres. I think that's true love for our country and for your significant one. This also made me realize that women can love men, but that doesn’t mean that their whole life has to be dedicated to them. I have dreams that I hope I can achieve in the near future. I would love to have a good education. I think that’s the base for all the good opportunities in our country, for a good job with a respectable salary and a good life. I don't want to marry to survive, I want to give myself all the opportunities a man has.

Bibliography

• Sanchez, A. (2021, december 15). Desafiando el peso de la historia. El papel de las mujeres en la construcción de la República peruana. Revista Memoria PUCP. https://idehpucp.pucp.edu.pe/revista-memoria/articulo/desafiando-el-peso-de-la-historia-el-papel-de-las-mujeres-en-la-construccion-de-la-republica-peruana/
• GrupoRPP. (2021, september 28). Rompiendo el molde: Mujeres peruanas en la historia. RPP. https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/rompiendo-el-molde-mujeres-peruanas-en-la-historia-noticia-1360106

Micaela Villegas: Another Side of the Story

In this section of the blog, an original podcast will be presented by the group. First, a small context about Micaela Villegas will be given in order to, continuously, share opinions and ideas about her life and all the things she has gone through.

A Drastic Period of Change for Women

“In pre-conquest Peru, Andean women were part of a highly structured society, and held a complementary role to their male counterparts. However, after the Spanish conquest, women had to navigate through an entirely different society.” 

“At the top of the feminine hierarchy was the Quoya, or queen. As the Inca, or king’s primary wife, she bore the title “Queen of all women.” Far from a mere consort, the Quoya held political power, could inherit land, and oversaw some of the feminine religious orders. The king’s secondary wives, though well respected, had less power than the Quoya. Below the Quoya and secondary wives were spouses of noblemen and royal administrators. Next in line were acllas—or chosen women. Similar to the vestal virgins of ancient Greece, acllas were chosen for their beauty and purity to become priestesses of the Sun and other deities, and made up an integral part of Incan religious institutions.” 

“After the conquest, this carefully ordered social structure was replaced with a wholly patriarchal Spanish model. The Quoya was dethroned, and the acllas order was destroyed, considered pagan by the Catholic Spanish.” (Hunt, 2016)

During this period, Peruvian women suffered a drastic change. The lifestyle they were used to, went through a complete shift in such an aggressive way that forced them to step back and give up every role they used to have in society, from following their religion or costumes to the abdication of a title. In a way, women used to be respected and have political power. The Quoya could rule and make important decisions, but not any more. In the case of the Acllas, they had to let go of the main purpose they were raised for their entire lives. After the conquest, women had to reshape in a completely new Spanish model, a new religion to believe in and a new space to fill in society that was just so different. Of course, they weren’t the only ones harmed by this event, but it did make them have to stay head down for a really long time.

“In the pre-conquest years, every woman belonged to an allyu, women lost their allyus altogether, either by moving to urban areas for work, or by becoming romantically involved with a Spaniard. Single mothers became common, especially those of Spanish-fathered mestizo children. Considered illegitimate unless claimed by their European fathers, mestizo children were a sign of shame, even if fathered by rape. In urban areas, these single mothers often formed makeshift families, sharing income and child-care responsibilities. Though a far cry from pre-conquest allyus, these social units provided women with security and structure in uncertain times.” (Hunt, 2016)

Although the Inca Empire was socially structured according to roles and power, the Spanish social structure made women take a role to preserve descendants, while men had to be slaves and labour without being paid. Furthermore, in the Peruvian culture there wasn't real racism until the Spaniards came; once the “races” mixed, the society got divided by the amount of Spain, Inca, or African blood each person had. This resulted in a larger quantity of single mothers because Spaniards, who had affairs with native women, didn’t recognize their children in order to avoid being pushed down into the social classes. That’s the reason why being a single mother and having to support the family without any man, who were important just because they were the ones allowed to work, was hard and exhausting. Being a woman in that time meant only dedicating yourself to the house and children, without the option of really participating in society or having a voice of opinion.

Bibliography

• Hunt, S. A. (2016). Women of the Incan Empire: Before and After the Conquest of Peru.

Killa's Life Through Conquest

Greetings! I am a woman from the Inca Empire, my name is Killa and I am here to tell you my story during the conquest.

Everything changed in my life when the Spaniards arrived. The presence of these strange aliens, who carried with them weapons and technologies unknown to us, disturbed the calm and tranquility that prevailed in my household.

The takeover was an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience for me and my people. Our temples were torn down, our precious treasures were taken, and we were forced to abandon our beliefs and traditions. The invaders had a clear advantage over us due to their advanced weaponry, and we fought valiantly but were ultimately unable to fend off their attack.

During the invasion, Inca women were severely oppressed. The Spaniards treated us horribly because they saw us as inferior. Our bodies were objectified and our voices were hushed, rendering us helpless to defend ourselves against the violence and abuse we were subjected to.

Many of us were forced into sexual slavery, providing sexual favours to Spanish soldiers. Others were abducted and sold into slavery, forced to work in the harsh and cruel circumstances of Spanish mines and haciendas. The torture we endured was unremitting, with beatings, humiliation, and degradation being common occurrences in our daily lives.

As I continued to endure the horrors of the Spanish conquest, I witnessed the destruction of our cultural heritage and the imposition of a new order. The Spaniards sought to erase our traditions, replacing them with their religious beliefs and customs. Our temples and sacred sites were desecrated, and our spiritual practices were condemned as pagan and heretical.

In an attempt to control and subjugate us, the Spaniards enforced a system of forced labour known as the encomienda. Under this system, indigenous people, including women like myself, were obligated to work for Spanish settlers, often under harsh and exploitative conditions. We were made to toil in the fields, mines, and textile workshops, with little regard for our well-being or dignity.

Throughout this dark period, I witnessed acts of resistance and resilience among my people. Many Inca women, like myself, found ways to resist and preserve our cultural heritage in secret. We passed down our ancestral knowledge, stories, and traditions to younger generations, ensuring that the essence of our civilization would not be completely erased.

In spite of the overwhelming oppression, I found solace and strength in the bond of sisterhood. Women supported and uplifted each other, sharing their pain, dreams, and aspirations. Together, we defied the oppressive structures that sought to silence us, finding small moments of joy and empowerment amidst the chaos.

Despite the immense challenges we faced, the spirit of the Inca people was not extinguished. We held on to our resilience and determination, keeping alive the hope that one day we would regain our freedom and reclaim our cultural identity.

Today, as I look back on those dark times, I am reminded of the strength and courage that my fellow Inca women demonstrated. Our stories may have been overshadowed by the grand narratives of conquest, but our resilience endures in the hearts of those who continue to honour and celebrate our heritage.

As an Inca woman named Killa, my story represents the countless untold stories of indigenous women who lived through the tumultuous period of the Spanish conquest. It is a testament to the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the Inca people in the face of unimaginable hardship and oppression.

Despite the brutality of the conquest, Inca women played an important part in the resistance to the Spanish. We laboured relentlessly, often at great personal risk, to maintain our culture and customs. Our tenacity and courage in the face of such hardship demonstrate the power of the human spirit, and we continue to struggle to guarantee that our people's voices are heard and our stories are shared.

Women: A Precious Gift from Viracocha

 

"Chosen Women, Quechua Aclla Cuna, or Aklya Kona (“Virgins of the Sun”), in Inca religion, women who lived in temple convents under a vow of chastity. Their duties included the preparation of ritual food, the maintenance of a sacred fire, and the weaving of garments for the emperor and for ritual use. They were under the supervision of matrons called Mama Cuna. At the time of the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century, the Virgins numbered several thousand and were governed by a high priestess, the Coya Pasca, a noblewoman who was believed to be the earthly consort of the sun god. The Virgins, not of noble birth, were village girls selected by officials for their beauty and talent; they were chosen at the age of 8 or 10 and shut up in the temples, which they were not allowed to leave for six or seven years. Of these girls, some became sacrificial victims, whereas others were sometimes made imperial concubines or the wives of nobles." (Britannica, 2016)

It is truly fascinating how The practice of the Chosen Women, or the Virgins of the Sun, is such an illustrative aspect of the Inca religion and culture. While it may seem oppressive to modern sensibilities to select young girls for a lifetime of celibacy and seclusion, it is important to remember that this was a different time and culture. It is also crucial to acknowledge the agency of the young women involved, who were not merely passive victims but active participants in their own fate.

From what we know about the Inca civilization, their religion was central to their way of life. The Virgins of the Sun was an essential part of this religion, responsible for performing sacred rituals and maintaining the connection between the people and their gods. They were also highly respected and held in great esteem by society, as evidenced by the fact that they were chosen for their beauty and talent.

It is interesting to note that the Virgins were not all treated the same. While some were chosen to be sacrificial victims or concubines, others were chosen to become the wives of nobles. This suggests that there was some degree of social mobility available to them, even within the confines of their religious role. It is also worth considering the possibility that some of the Virgins may have chosen their fate willingly, seeing it as an honour and a way to serve their community.

Of course, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the Virgins were denied basic freedoms and human rights that we take for granted today. Being shut up in a temple for six or seven years, without any contact with the outside world, is undoubtedly a form of imprisonment. However, we should also remember that the Virgins were not unique in this regard - many cultures throughout history have practised forms of seclusion or segregation based on gender, class, or religion.

Ultimately, it is up to us to decide how we feel about the practice of the Chosen Women. While we may be uncomfortable with the idea of young girls being chosen for a lifetime of celibacy and seclusion, we should also try to understand the cultural and historical context in which this practice took place. We should also acknowledge the agency of the Virgins themselves and the respect and admiration they commanded within their society.

“The selection process for girls belonging to the Empire followed the same pattern as that carried out for any other taxable asset. Those captured by officials to enter the Acllahuasi could be destined for three different objectives: for the worship of the sun, for service to the Inca, or to be redistributed as gifts or donations.” (Ortiz, 2006)

According to the fragment, in the described society, women were seen as a taxable asset, suggesting that their value was measured in economic terms. The text mentions that girls were selected by officials of the Empire and destined for three different objectives, one of which was the service of the Inca, suggesting that they were used as labour and exchange objects in the political and economic relations of the Empire.

Furthermore, choosing young girls as tributes for the Empire not only objectified and devalued women, but it also had disastrous consequences for the families and communities from which they were abducted. Losing a daughter to the Empire meant losing an important family member and potentially disrupting the community's social fabric.

In the Inca Empire, women had a subordinate role in society, in which their main function was to serve the interests of the Empire rather than to develop and reach their individual potential. As a result, most women had limited access to education and other resources that would allow them to make decisions and actively participate in the Empire's social, political, and economic life.

Bibliography

• Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2016, February 15). Chosen Women. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chosen-Women
• Ortiz, G. (2006) La mujer en la Crónica de Indias: la aclla. Retrieved from  https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00104694

A Day in the Life of Chasca

Imaynalla! My name is Chasca, I am 18 years old, and I have lived in Cusco my entire life. It’s a nice place, sometimes the weather can be freezing and the sky gray, but other times you can see the inti coming out of the mountains and lighting the entire ayllu with beautiful colors. Every day I contribute to my ayllu with agricultural some chores and textile work. It's not really that interesting, but I will tell you more about it later. Before working as an adult, I used to help my mother by taking care of my little sister Asiri. She was just 6 years old when she was selected by the Apupanaca to become an adías. I clearly remember that my parents were really proud of her, they said that in our ayllu there was never someone good enough to be chosen to serve the Inca and others misters with her work. But I only could think about how much I was going to miss her. Since she was gone, I have been thinking about what I want to do with my life. Sadly, there are not many options to choose from, or at least not many possible ones. My dream is to be a strong warrior like Mama Huaco. We all have heard about her since we were little girls, I personally admire her, she was so strong, taking her own decisions, managing her own army. Can you believe it? I could only dream about something like that… 

If you want to know about my day to day, it is pretty simple. I woke up before my father and crushed the corn to make the chicha that we drank almost with every meal. It’s like a tradition that I really enjoy, because the chicha it’s wonderful. Before doing my agricultural chores, I take a small and quick breakfast and go to the crop field. There I spend about two or three hours working and cultivating some seeds. That's really hard and exhausting work, so when I get to my wasi, I have to chew some coca leaf to have energy for the rest of the day. After that, I help my mother with the lunch and then wait for my father. Once he gets here, we all eat together and share a nice moment before going to work again. Yes, after waking up early, cultivating and baking, there are still more chores to do. Of course, the day couldn’t finish without weaving the mantle that I am working on as a gift in the next honor ceremony. I'm weaving it with woven threads and dyes that I personally made with herbs and grains. It has beautiful colors in it, I think she is going to love it. You know, this ceremony represents an important transition in puberty for girls, they are filled with lots of gifts and get a new name for their adult life. Most of the time, the name represents the girl’s essence or her more significant virtue.

Glossary

• Imaynalla: Hello, how are you?
• Inti: Sun
• Ayllu: Town, big family, set of families
• Apupanaca: Person that was in charge of the management of the church
• Adías: Beautiful and young ladies from 6 to 9 years that were chosen to join the acllawasi
• Acllawasi: Institution imposed by the Incas where selected women lived and worked
• Wasi: Home