Epistemologies from the Abya Yala: configuration of indigenous women journalisms in Ecuador

ABSTRACT

Decolonial-focused journalisms allows Ecuadorian indigenous women to exercise their right to revolution by deconstructing ideological paradigms through their freedom of the press. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on examining the aspects of poverty, inequality, and marginalized experiences within the realm of political communication. In contrast, this research takes a qualitative methodology, employing biographical narratives infused with insights from disciplines such as legal anthropology, feminist epistemology, decolonial studies and situated knowledge. The study delves into the exploration of three crucial variables through open interviews: (a) Precondition of journalistic practice, including the right to education, language, and access to technologies; (b) Perceived violence and inequalities based on gender, ethnicity, and journalism; (c) The relationship between the resistance exhibited by the interviewees and the configuration of the journalistic work. Consequently, this legitimate act of civil disobedience empowers indigenous women to establish their brand of justice, while their unique forms of journalisms contribute to the construction of their historical truth. This truth serves as a contrasting, denying, or even complementary narrative to the traditional truth. The use of the term ‘journalisms’ in the plural form highlights the fact that different indigenous groups employ diverse grammatical structures and methodologies that diverge from the conventions of the singular hegemonic press.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication studies
• identity
• gender
• journalism
• law
• rural studies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Although there are formal studies to carry out both activities such as degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate degrees in journalism or human rights, in Latin America both activities can be exercised without formal accreditation. However, the risks assumed by both journalists and defenders are linked as the result of praxis that questions and speaks truth to the power and not the professional training of said subjects (Puente-Gallegos, 2021, p. 135).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Universitat de València: [Grant Number Erasmus Postgraduate International Mobility Schola].

Notes on contributors

María Isabel Puente Gallegos

María Isabel Puente Gallegos PhD is a Mexican feminist lawyer and researcher in Mexico’s National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology (Conahcyt). Areas of interest: gender, justice, freedom of expression, right to evil, and feminist epistemologies. Recent production, Gallegos, M. I. P. (2022). Is it possible to build a theory of feminist justice? International Journal of Political Thought, 16, 595–610.

María Claudia Rivera Prado

María Claudia Rivera Prado PhD is an Ecuadorian communication specialist and researcher with interests in communication, gender, politics, marketing, and new technologies.