Gabriela Martinez Lopez to speak tomorrow on ‘Women Confronting Globalization’
Gabriela Martinez Lopez, sociologist, will speak on “Women Confronting Globalization: Cultural Resistance, Fair Trade and Human Rights,” at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, in Room 126, John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts.
About Lopez’ talk
Since the Zapatista uprising began on Jan. 1, 1994, the Mexican military and paramilitaries have waged a counter-insurgency war against Zapatista and supporter communities. Twelve years after the uprising, human rights abuses still are rampant. But Mexico ’s indigenous communities are developing new forms of resistance. Women are playing leading roles on all fronts in the struggle to build alternatives. Fair trade cooperatives allow women to play a central role in the control and development of local economies. They impart a fundamental space for women, through what traditionally has been unwaged work, by combining productive and cultural functions. They provide a space for women to engage in decision-making and leadership roles, while organizing with other women.
López is a sociologist and researcher who worked with the Center of Political Analysis and Social and Economic Research (CAPISE) in Chiapas, Mexico. Her studies have focused on the collective rights of indigenous communities, liberation theology and fair trade, and women’s cooperatives.
Mujeres por la Dignidad (Women for Dignity) is participating via video message. This cooperative of several hundred Zapatista indigenous weavers in Chiapas, Mexico, make beautiful handmade textiles for sale to benefit Mujeres por la Dignidad and solidarity organizing in the United States.
This event is sponsored by the Foreign Affairs Club, the Globally Minded Student Association, Justice and Peace Studies, the Department of Political Science and the University Lecture Committee.
For more information, contact Liz Klages or Jose Hernandez.
