Laureana Márquez Romero, originally from this zapotec community, has become a symbol of resistance and empowerment by being the first women to join the board of the General Assembly of the Community of San Dionisio del Mar and to form part of its community police.
The General Assembly, formed in 2012, arose in response to the wind power project, Mareña Renovables, that threatened to strip the community of their natural resources. Since then, Laura and other women have been at the front of the defense of the territory, facing many challenges.
“They have said that we as women can’t do it, but as soon as there was a confrontation (against the wind project), we were the women who dared to stand in front of everyone. We said: We have to do it, we have to put a stop to it! From then on, we have felt more valued and important in decision-making,” expressed Laureana, remembering one of the most emblematic moments of their fight.
Today, together with other women from San Dionisio del Mar, Laureana continues to fight for the defense of their land, their sea, and their wind, vital resources for the Mareñas communities. Her bravery not only protects the environment, but also has opened a path for active participation of women in decision-making spaces in the community.
Learn about Laureana’s story in the recent video, part of a CODIGODH campaign: #DEFENSORAS (Defenders)