On March 8, 2026, the commemorative march for International Women’s Day was led by a group of women representing the 24 indigenous territories of Costa Rica, hailing from the eight Indigenous Peoples of the country. These include the Huetar (in Quitirrisí and Zapatón), Maleku (in Guatuso), Bribri (in Salitre, Cabagra, Talamanca Bribri, and Këköldi), Cabécar (in Alto Chirripó, Tayni, Talamanca Cabécar, Telire, and China Kichá, Bajo Chirripó, Nairi Awari, and Ujarrás), Brunca (in Boruca and Curré), Ngöbe (in Abrojos Montezuma, Coto Brus, and Conte Burica, Alto de San Antonio, and Osa), Brörán (in Térraba), and Chorotega in Matambú.
“Our presence at the march was to raise awareness about this organization and to strengthen the visibility of unity among indigenous women. We aim to ensure that our rights are effectively applied and that our voices are heard from our own perspectives, ideas, and proposals,” commented Ileana Obando, representative from the Cabécar territory, Alto Chirripó.
The joint participation of all territories marks a significant milestone. “This is the first time that women from all eight territories and indigenous nations have participated. These are leaders representing their communities as women and within their territories,” explained Kemly Camacho, a representative of the Sula Batsú cooperative.
“We also seek to build alliances and work together with organizations and institutions through dialogue and cultural relevance, to strengthen the work of indigenous women in educational, cultural, social, and political spheres, as well as in the defense of water and land,” Obando continued.
The participation of these women is particularly valuable, considering the logistical challenges involved. For instance, some must leave their homes the day before, departing at 2 a.m. and undertaking several hours of walking to catch a bus to the capital. Additionally, this involves costs associated with economic and personal activities that they forego, highlighted Camacho.
They performed dances accompanied by their own music while voicing their slogans related to their rights, land, and territory. Some of these slogans included: “Rights based on our worldview,” “Costa Rica is not a peaceful country; indigenous people are murdered in the name of private property,” and “I march as an indigenous woman who cares for the Earth, protects the seeds, and defends Life,” among others.
Participation was coordinated by the collective Unidad Nacional de Mujeres Ditsä+8, “a national organization of women from indigenous peoples that aims to highlight the leadership and participation of indigenous women. This time, we received support from the Sula Batsú cooperative, with whom we have initiated a cooperation process that enabled our participation in this activity,” Obando noted.
Respect for the rights of indigenous women remains especially relevant, as does the reflection on what these rights mean from their worldview. March 8 is an excellent day to bring this to light.
