Interview with Bolivian feminist

• Published in: New internationalist no. 422; p. 29
• Main Author: Hausfather, Nadia
• Format: Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford New Internationalist Co-operative 01.05.2009
• Subjects: Choque, Saturnina Quispe; Education discrimination; Equality; Llupanqui, Felipa Huanca; Native peoples; Social life & customs; Bolivia
• ISSN: 0305-9529

[Saturnina Quispe Choque] and [Felipa] grew tired of seeing themselves and other rural migrants exploited. So in 2000 they founded a women's collective called the Integral Association of Kullakas (IAK). 'Kullakas' means 'sisters' in the Aymara language. They used this word to symbolize their interdependence with the Aymara and with the world. Says Saturnina: 'We decided that we needed to help each other.' 'The money is not to buy a car, it's to survive,' explains Felipa. 'And it's not just about handicrafts,' continues Saturnina. Our vision is also integral education.' The Kullakas educate women about politics and cultural identity. On the wall of their living room stands the wiphala - the multicoloured, Indigenous flag of the Andes - and a poster of Tupac Katari, the leader of an Aymara revolt in the 18th century. Saturnina and Felipa eat in the same room where they weave clothes. When 1 join them for dinner, Saturnina calls another 'sister' who is staying with them to join us. 'When women arrive without a place to stay they are welcome here,' says Saturnina. 'If there's no room we find a way to make space.'