WUNRN
FULL ARTICLE: http://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/un-denounces-criminalization-indigenous-community-radios-guatemala
On May 15, 2015, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) denounced the criminalization of Indigenous community radio stations in Guatemala, after submitting its observations on the country, in Geneva, according to the International Convention on the matter.
Cultural Survival Shadow Report Submitted to the CERD Committee: http://www.culturalsurvival.org/sites/default/files/media/cerdguatemalafinal.pdf
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http://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/recognizing-women-leaders-community-radio-stations-guatemala
Guatemala – Recognizing Indigenous Women Leaders at Community Radio Stations in Guatemala
Brenda
Garcia at Radio Sembrador's cabin, she is a huge advocate for women's
rights in her community and has been a part of the radio for over
five years.
February 26, 2015 - The legalization of community radio stations
has been an on-going struggle for Indigenous communities in Guatemala for
almost 20 years. Community radio stations operate in the fear of being raided
by the Guatemalan Public Ministry because the current telecommunications law
does not allow for non-profit community radio—despite its guarantee in the 1996
Peace Accords, the Guatemalan Constitution, and the UN Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The constant persecution of community radio
operators puts not only the right to freedom of expression at risk, but also
the volunteers that maintain the stations are extremely vulnerable.
Despite the odds, radio volunteers continue to advocate in favor of their
communities. Indigenous women especially face innumerable obstacles when
choosing to participate as radio volunteers.
Indigenous women in Guatemala still live under a highly
traditional and patriarchal society. However, in various community radio
stations around Guatemala we still see, even if limited, the participation of
brave Indigenous women who choose to voice their opinions and educate their
communities on air.
In
San Pedro La Lugana, Sololá, Radio Sembrador
has been a crucial source of information for its small Tzutujil community for
over 10 years. Brenda Garcia, a Tzutujil radio broadcaster at Radio
Sembrador, has volunteered with the radio for over five years. Brenda hosts
several programs both in Spanish and Tzutujil where she talks about topics such
as women’s rights, domestic violence, education and the rights of Indigenous
Peoples with disabilities. “It feels good to have a space where one can express
their ideas and opinions freely, especially as a woman. I am thankful that my
family supports me. I may not be making any money but I know I’m making a
difference,” says Garcia.
Olga
Ajcalon is a radio volunteer at Radio Juventud
in Sololá, the radio was recently raided in December 2014 by
the National Police. Ajcalon is also a teacher in a small rural village in
Sololá where she splits her time between her radio programs and planning for
her classes. “I’ve been at the radio for over eight years and many ask me why I
continue to do it when I have a full time job,” said Ajcalon. For Ajcalon, as
for many radio volunteers, having access to a “on air” space where she can
educate and speak freely is a huge resource. “I am not married, so that makes
things easier. I don’t know what will happen if I get married. I think things
change so much more for a woman when they marry then they do for a man.” In
Guatemala, after a woman marries, it is customary even if she is highly
educated, that her family will make her choose between raising a family or
working. Since traditionally the woman must live with her husband’s family, the
way a married woman lives her life is heavily influenced by her husband and his
family, even in decisions like volunteering at a radio. Ajcalon hopes to
continue at the radio station and she is constantly recruiting and training
young women to join Radio Juventud.
Olga
Ajcalon is a dedicated volunteer at Radio Juventud, despite her busy schedule
with her full time teaching job she trains and recruits young women for Radio
Juventud.
In
Sumpango, Sacatepequez, one of Radio Ixchel’s
goals is to revive the Kaqchikel language and traditions. Elsa
Chiquito de Pacache, a determined Kaqchikel woman, began volunteering at Radio
Ixchel at the age of 14. “My best friend was offered a position but she
declined. I asked her to give me her space and promised that I would take full
advantage of it. I’ve been a part of the station since,” expressed Chiquito de
Pacache. She is now 26 years old, married, has a daughter and is the current
director of Radio Ixchel. “My husband supports me, he always tells me that its
good that I take ownership of my identity and that he hopes my daughter takes
after me and learns about radio,” said Chiquito de Pacache.
At
only 26 years of age, Elsa Chiquito is already an admirable leader in her
community of Sumpango. She has been a radio volunteer at Radio Ixchel for 14
years and continues to lead as the current radio directo.
Radio has been a tool that has allowed these strong Indigenous
women to pursue their passion for communication. “It is important as Indigenous
women to be in radio because in the culture of the past, women were thought of
as staying at home and raising kids only. It is important for us to voice our
opinions,” said Chiquito de Pacache. “I’ve seen many women join the radio
movement enthusiastically, only to leave it once they marry. I am working on
creating a network where we can support one another as women broadcasters, so
that we have other options after we marry.” shared Garica. The community radio
movement in Guatemala will continue to be enriched and strengthened with the
increasing leadership that women push for.