Reflections on the situation of indigenous women in San Francisco de Opalaca, Honduras; from the perspective of critical feminist dissemination.

Abstract

The situation of women in Honduran indigenous communities continues to be subordinate to processes of patriarchal, ethical, and social domination that limit their opportunities for participation and decision-making in the community. This document reviews the situation of indigenous women who participated in the outreach project carried out by the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) in San Francisco de Opalaca, the first indigenous municipality in Honduras. The objective of the study is to analyze the gender dynamics and tensions faced by women in community participation for the implementation of the comprehensive local development plan of the Lenca people. The study is qualitative and ethnographic in nature, focusing on the study of communication, participation, and power distribution relationships that, from a critical extension approach, are proposed for the implementation of collective actions for community organization and life. The main finding is that women's participation is present in the development of the Plan; however, their voices remain silent and their role is relegated to collaboration that is neither recognized nor valued by community members. Among the main conclusions from the perspective of critical extension and the University is the need to raise awareness among women about the importance of asserting their ethnic, gender, and class identity, the pursuit of horizontal relationships and equal participation, mitigating gender and racial violence, and ensuring their contribution to community development and social transformation.