Women and Poverty in Panama
Panamanian Women And Poverty
Panama’s Indigenous women make up the majority of persons living in extreme poverty in Panama. Like other women elsewhere in the world who live in similar conditions, our Indigenous sisters need help. The Kuna women of San Blas are among some of the poorest Panamanian women.
Recently, one of our members, a young Kuna woman solicited my help and that of the church in securing funding from IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) for a project. A group of over 30 Kuna women were coming together to form a Co-operative. Their project is the construction of a much needed shelter in which to sell their Molas. A Mola is a handcrafted square of two or three layers of cloth done by the Kunas of the San Blas Islands, Panama.
The Kuna community is matrifocal
(Matriarchal if you prefer), the women like Jamaican women are in most cases the main “breadwinners” of the family. They work hard alongside the men in the fields, they fish, they row their kayukas (canoes) – they are small and strong women of substance. However, they also tend to have responsibility for a large family, and in many cases this is an extended family. Because of their ability to do various kinds of handcrafts, the women end up selling Molas to earn an income. This is sometimes the only source of income for an extended family that might include up to 15 persons.
The women who approached the church, needed help to improve the conditions on the Cruise Ship pier where they sell their craft items to passengers of Cruise Ships which dock in Colon. I was overjoyed when they approached us. It was an occasion when I could not help but resort to uttering the cliche – “God works in mysterious ways.”
I recalled watching the same young Kuna member work on a beautiful Mola after Bible Study one night about a month earlier. That same night I had this strong thought of finding ways to help the women of her family secure funding to market their products. If only I could find a way to help them to empower themselves in a more sustained way.
Little did I know that the Lord would present First Isthmian Baptist with this opportunity. Although the church has little or no experience in this area – thankfully, I come to Panama with some experience.
Panama’s Poor and Marginalized Women
This is an interesting time for me to be in a context where there is so much evidence of the social structures that continue to promote inequalities and injustices against women. And here I find the needs and opportunities for intervention and advocacy on behalf of the poor and marginalized women of Panama, especially in Colon.
Mujerista Theology in Action
Coming alive before my eyes, are the expressions of the sisters who voice their defiance of women’s oppression through writings on Mujerista Theology.
There is much more to come. However, I dedicate this series of reflections on Women and Poverty – to my friend, father and beloved professor, the late Dr. Lewin Williams, former President of United Theological College of the West Indies. He was my professor in Caribbean Theology and Contemporary Theology; A champion of Women and Women’s rights, and an unapologetic Feminist. Dr. Williams is the author of Caribbean Theology.
Doc…
For helping me see what lies in me
And then to better see others
To understand that I am not one
but one of – many
That I stand on the shoulders of
WOMEN who have paved the way
And this is but the strengthening of my shoulders
so that my sisters can stand – and have wings….
Doc… I know more than any other you would understand. If only you could hear me now
Marvia
Subscribe to RSS
January 15th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I have observed your interest in women’s rights and feminism. Maybe u r becoming the Glenda Simms ofn Panama.
January 17th, 2007 at 1:08 am
Dimitri,
Women’s Rights and Feminism has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Prior to high school, I didn’t have a name for the very strong feelings I had when I saw women in situations my young mind thought was ‘unfair’ (unjust). Moreover, by the time I learnt the name, I also learnt the stigma and the baggage attached to what was condescendingly called ‘Women’s Lib” and to be “feminist” was not a good thing.
I cannot recall a time throughout high school or later when I thought of denying that I was Feminist. I was more ashamed to deny I was one. I felt I was letting women down if I denied a movement that sought to liberate women. To do so would be to deny all the amazing qualities and strength my mother passed on to me. It would be to deny, the struggles of generations of women. Their concern for their daughters and many unknown women paved the way for me to be where I am today.
I stand on the shoulders of generations of women who struggled for the rights some women take for granted today. Therefore, I have never felt I have the ‘luxury’ of being self-centered and feel I am ok, but that I must also do what I can for other women who come after me – so they too can stand on my shoulders.
I commend Dr. Glenda Simms of Jamaica and others like her. We strive for the same positive changes in all aspects of society and I affirm the rights of women no matter what colour, race or religion. There is no walking away from it…and I have never wanted to:-)
Peace,
Marvia
December 9th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
[...] per month. They leave Kuna Yala for the city and sit on sidewalks, or wait on tourists with their Molas and other craft to feed their family. These mothers do it for [...]