Epistemologies from the Abya Yala: configuration of indigenous women journalisms in Ecuador

Abstract

ABSTRACT Decolonial-focused journalisms allows Ecuadorian indigenous women to exercise their right to revolution by deconstructing ideological paradigms through their freedom of the press. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on examining the aspects of poverty, inequality, and marginalized experiences within the realm of political communication. In contrast, this research takes a qualitative methodology, employing biographical narratives infused with insights from disciplines such as legal anthropology, feminist epistemology, decolonial studies and situated knowledge. The study delves into the exploration of three crucial variables through open interviews: (a) Precondition of journalistic practice, including the right to education, language, and access to technologies; (b) Perceived violence and inequalities based on gender, ethnicity, and journalism; (c) The relationship between the resistance exhibited by the interviewees and the configuration of the journalistic work. Consequently, this legitimate act of civil disobedience empowers indigenous women to establish their brand of justice, while their unique forms of journalisms contribute to the construction of their historical truth. This truth serves as a contrasting, denying, or even complementary narrative to the traditional truth. The use of the term ‘journalisms’ in the plural form highlights the fact that different indigenous groups employ diverse grammatical structures and methodologies that diverge from the conventions of the singular hegemonic press.