The Association of Autonomous Women Workers, Ecuador

Our organizanon was set up in 1982 as the first of its kind in Ecuador. In 1987 we acquired official status as an organization but we have kept our pioneer spirit. Our offices are in Machala the capital of the El Oro Province in the south of Ecuador. It is an area with approximately 480000 inhabitants rich with agricultural and animal produce (bananas coffee as well as shrimp etc). The wealth is however in the hands of a few while the majority of the population struggle against poverty and distress. Terrible conditions such as unemployment malnutrition illiteracy and social violence are a visible part of our daily reality. In addition discrimination of women is a daily occurrence legitimized by habits traditions ideologies and laws. We carry the full weight of this crisis on our shoulders. In this disadvantaged and marginalized social position we have to accept that we are the head of the household and therefore that we are responsible for our own survival and that of our children and other family members. (excerpt)