Synopsis:

What are the demographic, social, political, ethnic and economic conditions of women in Oaxaca? Some ecological information helps situate Oaxaca’s diversity, and then some history touches on sacred females and political power (matriarchy?) and move into the present with the question of tradition. My goal is to confront and unpack some common stereotypes, and present a list of organizations that work to support, train, empower, and protect women.

Bio:

Martha Rees is an anthropologist with almost 50 years of experience in Mexico, I specialize in women’s work, peasant household economy, migration and health, and do evaluation research (MacArthur Foundation, NIOSH-CDC). I have worked in Mexican and US institutions: Instituto Nacional Indigenista, Centro de Ecodesarrollo, University of Cincinnati, and Agnes Scott College, as well as held Fulbright scholarships and worked as an expert witness. Currently I am the President of the Welte Institute for Oaxacan Studies, Inc. [https://institutowelte.org/], a library of Oaxacan materials in Oaxaca.