I’d like you to meet the superheroes of Costa Rica. They fight social injustice and stand up for what they believe in, even against the toughest of challengers. Welcome Ticas.
These women form two of the women’s cooperatives on Chira Island in Costa Rica. They both have overcome incredible obstacles in their quest for personal empowerment and community development. They have used their resources, their strength and their insights to build something of value. The top group runs their own oyster farm, and they sell the oysters as a source of independent income for themselves and their families. The bottom group works on an iguana farm where they raise iguanas in an effort to balance the ecoysystem of the island. Both of these groups tell stories about their hardships. The iguana cooperative has had to fight against problems with ants, funding and community anger. They suffered verbal and emotional abuse from their husbands who still believe in the machismo of the past. The women of the oyster cooperative speak of opposition from both women and men in their community. They had to hire a nighttime security guard to protect their oyster nets from sabotage at the hands of their husbands and brothers. There have stood up against society’s oppressive roles and brought new meaning to their lives.
Why do they do it? To empower themselves and to inspire change. But most importantly, to benefit the younger generations. Each of these cooperatives sponsors youth programs and work days in an effort to educate their children about these programs. They want their children to see that they can accomplish great things. Education is essential for future success.
Here is their banner:
Translated, the points on the sun read: easy, experience, support, we are one, fun, strength, communication, bad for one is bad for all, and happiness.
Outside the cooperatives of Chira Island exists another community of women who are in fact super. They are the Bananeras:
These women play an active role both in the production of bananas and in their homes. They are workers, mothers, wives, housekeepers and cooks. They must work irregular schedules, extensive work days, and receive lower wages than men. They suffer it all to make a life for themselves and their children. It isn’t easy. They know that their children are susceptible to disease on the plantation. They know that they are being exploited and underpaid. They know that their kids miss them while they are working 14-hour days. However, they also know that they can do it. They know that their sacrifice has its rewards. They can provide for their families and put food on their tables at night.
Globalization has powerful implications for women in both the developed and developing world. As industrialization occurs, women are forced to manage both their families and work. It is challenging and empowering. Even in the worst of conditions and with the biggest obstacles, women are discovering community and empowerment through their work.
The vigor of women in overcoming their oppressor, be it machismo or Del Monte, is incredible. If only we were to fight half as hard for what we believe in, we would surely effect colossal programs for good.
