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I used to live in Jactzal with my first
husband, until 1982 that is. I have two children from my
first marriage, daughters who are 18 and 20 by now. I have
suffered during the war.
It was on the 18th of December 1981 that the soldiers came.
They tortured and killed many
people, one of them being my husband. I held out in my old
village for 6 more months, then I moved away with my
parents.
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I still feel hate and anger towards
the soldiers, as well towards the Guerrilla, both of whom
brought the war to my people.
By now life is somewhat normal and I am happy to see both
Guatemalans and foreigners visit us here. I like our
traditional dress, the hand-woven huipils, I like our food -
especially frijoles and tomatoes.
We have very little land, not enough work or income. I think
a lot about my children's education. Clearly, without money
and aid funds, there's no way to secure a good education. I
fear they will grow up to the same circumstances - no work,
no money to buy things or to afford changes.
We had to live in hiding during the war. Many women had
their rights violated - our rights were cheaper than dirt.
Now, in times of peace there are opportunities to organize.
We indigenous women need to fight for our rights.
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