Shining a bright light on female changemakers
This Farmworker Awareness Week, join us in celebrating powerful women leaders. They represent a small number of the many whose advocacy deserves recognition.
Unsung Heroes of the Farmworker Rights Movement
WOMEN OF ALIANZA NACIONAL DE CAMPESINAS
THE FIRST NATIONAL ORGANIZATION IN THE U.S. CREATED BY CURRENT AND FORMER FARMWORKER WOMEN
- Launched in 2011 after many years of conversations with farmworker women around the United States and in Mexico
- Dedicated to promoting women’s leadership within the farmworker rights movement
- Committed to creating broader visibility for female farmworkers
- Focused on issues related to violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, basic employment rights, healthcare, education, housing, immigration, and more
Meet 5 leaders of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Nely Rodriguez
Recognized with a Woman of Courage Award by a UN Women’s Advocacy group, Nely Rodriguez represents the CIW nationally
Lupe Gonzalo
As a migrant farmworker, Lupe Gonzalo speaks publicly about the challenges faced by Florida’s agricultural workers like herself
Silvia Perez
One of the Women’s Group leaders, Silvia Perez conducts workers’ rights education in the fields on all farms participating in the CIW’s Fair Food Program
Julia de la Cruz
Julia de la Cruz gives frequent presentations, processes complaints of abuse in the fields, and hosts daily shows on the community radio station
Silvia Sabanilla
With 17 years of experience harvesting produce, Silvia Sabanilla works alongside her colleagues as a leader of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Dolores Huerta
COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, LABOR ACTIVIST, CIVIL RIGHTS ICON
- Co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (now United Farm Workers) with César Chávez
- Led historic grape industry boycott
- Fought tirelessly for better working conditions for farmworkers
- Mother of 11
- Winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States