The indigenous (Mayan) people of Chiapas, Mexico’s southern most state, have been marginalized and oppressed for over 500 years. The word indigenous is synonymous with “native to,” signifying those individuals who inhabited Mexico prior to, during, and after European colonization. Due to the absence of such basic necessities as potable water, clinics, and schools, many villages struggle with poor health conditions and lack of education. The communities seek autonomy yet request the support of both national and international organizations in helping to address these vital human needs. A specific solicitation came from the women’s cooperative located in the community of Roberto Barrios. The women have asked for reproductive health education and training. In response to this request the Mexican non-governmental organization, Juntos Trabajando por la Verdad (Working Together for the Truth), invited Amanda Brown, a Tulane public health student, to join their team. The project’s short term goal is to develop a culturally and linguistically appropriate reproductive health education program for indigenous women living in Roberto Barrios. The long term goal is to create a sustainable model which can later be replicated to other communities within the region in attempts to improve the quality of life for the indigenous women, men, and children living in Chiapas.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session learners will be able to: 1) identify the unique cultural characterisitcs influencing indigenous women's health promotion in Chiapas. 2) describe the important components necessary for effective learning in a community setting among an oppressed population 3) analyze the short-term effects of a reproductive health education curriculum on program participants
Keywords: Indigenous Populations, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Juntos Trabajando por la Verdad (a NGO in Chiapas, Mexico)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.