Chaski Warmikuna: Women Messengers by Ivan Castaneira

In October and November 2024, nearly 20 women from Ecuador and Peru, living in areas threatened by mining, formed the ‘Messenger Women’ caravan. Over 20 days they travelled through mining sites, sacred territories and protected areas, highlighting the growing environmental and social impacts of extractive industries. Ecuador and Peru are facing an alarming expansion of mining concessions, with more than 15 per cent of Ecuador’s territory and 14 per cent of Peru’s land being affected, including protected areas and Indigenous territories. The caravan’s participants shared powerful stories of contamination, disease and the loss of sacred lands, but also stories of resistance and resilience. United in their struggle, these women are fighting to protect their land, culture and communities. This project stands as a testament to their strength, highlighting the essential role of women in environmental justice and the fight for a sustainable future.