El Ciudadano
Original article: ANAMURI acusa grave retroceso para las mujeres del campo tras anuncio de término del Programa Mujeres Rurales
ANAMURI Rejects Termination of Rural Women’s Program, Warns of Negative Impact on Indigenous and Rural Women
The National Association of Rural and Indigenous Women, ANAMURI A.G., has publicly voiced its staunch opposition to the decision to end the Rural Women’s Program, established through an agreement between INDAP and PRODEMU. The organization labeled this measure as a significant setback for women in rural areas and criticized the lack of prior consultation with the participatory bodies that historically included rural and farmer organizations.
ANAMURI’s statement asserted that the program has served for decades as a vital tool to enhance the productive, organizational, and economic capacities of rural and indigenous women, promoting their equal participation in initiatives related to Indigenous Family Farming while contributing to the livelihood and income of countless rural families.
The organization recalled that INDAP and PRODEMU have maintained participatory and relational spaces with the rural sector for years, notably through the Rural Women’s Table. In this context, it questioned the announcement of such a significant decision without a prior dialogue or consultation with the involved organizations.
ANAMURI also indicated that PRODEMU informed them about the dissolution of the current board, raising further concerns regarding the uncertainties facing future resources designated for the rural sector. The organization expressed that this decision particularly impacts rural and indigenous women who found in the program a means to strengthen their businesses, knowledge, and economic independence.
The organization highlighted that for 34 years, the Rural Women’s Program has allowed thousands of women to engage in production activities, processing of agricultural products, wild fruit gathering, craftsmanship, and rural tourism. They argued that these efforts have contributed to narrowing existing gender gaps in rural territories and strengthening family and community economies.
Moreover, they stated that the INDAP-PRODEMU agreement became one of the main gateways for rural women to access public policies related to the Ministry of Agriculture, favoring processes of organization, technical support, marketing, and training. While acknowledging that the program needs improvements and updates in light of new technological and environmental challenges, they asserted that its elimination is not the proper solution.
To support their stance, ANAMURI referenced an evaluation conducted under the United Nations Decade for Rural Development, which identifies the Rural Women’s Program as one of the few state responses specifically aimed at women living in rural areas, who face challenges accessing services and opportunities equivalent to those available in urban areas.
In a second public statement, released following a special parliamentary session discussing the government announcement, the organization expressed disappointment with the explanations provided by authorities and governmental representatives. ANAMURI argued that during the debate there was a clear lack of understanding regarding the significance the program has held for rural women, artisans, and grassroots communities.
The group particularly challenged arguments focused on PRODEMU’s financial deficits and the maintenance of its institutional structure, emphasizing that the primary goal of the foundation has historically been to address the needs of women living in remote areas of the country. They also expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the measures that would replace the program and the potential consequences for beneficiaries.
ANAMURI further raised questions about the criteria used to determine the continuity or termination of social programs, claiming that the decision reveals a lack of political will to tackle the financial challenges facing the foundation without impacting an initiative deemed strategic for rural women. The organization regretted not receiving direct explanations from the Ministry of Agriculture and expressed concern over the absence of arguments justifying the termination of the agreement.
Finally, the organization refuted statements made by Senator Arturo Squella during the public discussion and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and interests of rural women. Through both statements, ANAMURI insisted that the closure of the Rural Women’s Program represents a rollback for rural and indigenous communities and called for sustained efforts to enhance the development, economic autonomy, and quality of life for women in rural areas.
See the full statement
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