The Political Participation of Chatinas Women in the Municipality of San Juan Quiahije, Juquila, Oaxaca: Between Modernity and Uses and Customs

Abstract

The State of Oaxaca has 570 municipalities, in which its authorities are governed by political parties (153 municipalities); or under Normative Indigenous Systems (417 municipalities). This document analyzes the political participation of women in the municipality of San Juan Quiahije, located in the district of Juquila, Oaxaca. It is a municipality where a considerable number of its inhabitants speak Chatina language, they choose their authorities through NIS, and the political participation of women is complicated. This complication intensifies if it involves occupying a government position, which results in the absence or minimal presence of women in the town hall. This community, with deep-rooted customs and practices, gives little or no participation to women, arguing that they are not able to hold political positions. A series of recommendations are proposed with the aim of contributing to the changes that favor the participation of women in the aforementioned, as well as in similar communities.