By: Rebekah York
March 8; a day internationally recognized as Women’s Day. A day set aside to acknowledge women’s important place in society today and throughout history. A day to commemorate the ways women have been fighting for their right to a dignified life as well as recognizing that more work needs to be done. A day where some might take a deep breath, allowing themselves to celebrate the seemingly insignificant victories while simultaneously getting back to creatively finding space to lift their voice and the voices of others.
In this framework, as well as the overarching framework of Women’s History Month, three women working with MCC-supported projects around Latin America are highlighted below to not only bring to light the work being done but also to explore new and renewed meanings of this day.
Karla Vasquez points to the squash growing in the garden at the Centro Educativo Menonita K’ekchi Bezaleel during the Canadian Advocacy Network Learning Tour in Guatemala. MCC Photo/Photo credit: Ken Ogasawara
Karla Vásquez, the Program Director of CASAS (Central American Study and Service) lives and works in Guatemala. Housed within the academic seminary, Semilla, in Guatemala City, the CASAS program offers “giras de aprendizaje” (learning tours) as well as a place for foreigners to come and learn Spanish, offering them an immersion experience where they can connect with the language as well as put into practice their new abilities with native speakers. From offering others access to a whole new world through the acquisition of a new language to creating spaces of encountering “the other,” it comes as no surprise that the mission of CASAS is to “build a more just and peaceful world” through transformative encounters and building “bridges of understanding and solidarity.” This summary of their mission and visions highlights the program’s core values of promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Karla’s innate ability to reflect on her work through an Anabaptist lens shows a deep reflection of and commitment to her calling. When asked to expand, even as a practicing Catholic, Karla assertively recites Palmer Becker’s three main pillars of Anabaptism, being especially inspired by the last one: “Jesus is the center of our faith. The community is the center of our life and reconciliation is our work,” she said, underscoring how the learning tours she has been planning and conducting for years serve as a means of “reestablishing community” by fostering empathy, dialogue, and mutual understanding. She truly believes that these experiences are transformative, noting how often they lead to personal change or inspire those who participate to engage more fully in initiatives for justice and equity.
Karla’s passion and commitment to continual learning and creating transformative educational experiences for all who walk through the seminary gate does not come without its hardships. “I don’t see myself as a woman in an academic world,” she said when asked about her experience. She admits the stark “inequality that there is between men and women” and the “imposter syndrome” that she feels deeply almost every day. Despite being in a leadership position, she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, a struggle she recognizes is directly influenced by societal norms and a deep gender bias, especially strong in Latin America. However, amidst these fears and uncertainties that plague her mind, she confidently recognizes her vocation as a facilitator, one who is focused on creating connections, fostering potential, and encouraging personal growth. “I like to learn… and I like to develop my gifts and abilities. I this is what pushed me forward when creating these experiences for people,” she explains.
Being a woman in academic spaces or a director of programs is not easy. But the importance of March 8 and its commemoration is a time to honor the women of the past, who paved the way for women to be recognized in spaces normally owned by men as well as those who struggled for many of the rights that women enjoy today. At the same time, however, this day is an important call to action: the struggle must continue so that future generations of women are ensured a seat at the table, both sustaining and expanding progress.
Maria de Melo (far right) talks to other leaders within the migrant project, before handing out food for the children to eat in La Guajira. MCC Photo/Photo credit: Rebekah York
María de Melo, originally from Bogota, Colombia, has lived and served in Riohacha, La Guajira for over 30 years. “I am first of all a Christian, cristocentric one hundred percent,” she states, boldly. The truth of this statement no one can deny, as her story is a strong testament to the power of faith, resilience, and one woman’s unwavering commitment to her community.
Her faith foundation has guided her journey from Bogota to Riohacha, where she was almost immediately faced with the challenges of a “machista (sexist) world” and a culture that often subordinates women. She struggled for years to figure out what she could do in a place like Rioacha, a city much different than Bogota where she had her network of support, an unwavering church community, and her family. Yet, her determination to find her purpose prevailed. Though her path was anything but straightforward and included dark nights of questioning why God had brought her to this strange and dry land, her passion for helping others led her to establish the Casa de los Abuelos, a sanctuary for the elderly. Even when faced with setbacks, such as the initial withdrawal of support from the church, María’s commitment never wavered. Instead, she persevered, and today Casa de los Abuelos is not only a church but a place to give elderly people a dignified end-of-life experience. Over the years, she has expanded her services to include aid for migrants and displaced Wayuu communities, demonstrating her boundless capacity for compassion.
Living in a machista society comes with its setbacks and struggles. For María, “[the 8th of March] is not the International Day of Women, every day is International Woman’s Day,” emphasizing the integral role women play in society, not just on a single day, but every day. Women are “a compliment, [exemplified in] the love of God to fill the earth with his companion.” Her own life stands as a powerful example of this, as she continues to empower younger generations and advocate for women’s roles in all aspects of life. “As women, we are able to do grand things,” she asserts – a declaration that encapsulates her extraordinary journey and her belief in the potential of women.
Deyanira stands (left-center, red patterned dress) with other social leaders from around Mexico during a partner encounter in Cuernavaca, MX. MCC Photo/Photo Credit: Daniela Portillo
Deyanira Clérgia Morales, originally from Mexico City and now based in San Cristóbal de las Casas, has dedicated a significant part of her life and her work to supporting women in migration contexts. Currently, she supports the work of Voces Mesoamericanas in Chiapas, which addresses not only the economic challenges faced by women in these communities but also fosters spaces for empowerment and reflection. Deyanira knows and highlights the importance of recognizing the strength and resilience of these women, while also acknowledging the systemic inequalities and violence they confront. This approach is rooted in a deep commitment to human rights and dignity, aiming to counter the “strong colonial logic in Chiapas” that often diminishes the self-worth and agency of Indigenous communities.
When working with women from various walks of life, a core element of Deyanira’s methodology and pedagogy is the concept of ternura y cuidado (tenderness and care). This is evident in Voces Mesoamericanas’ approach, which extends beyond traditional workshops to encompass how the organization interacts with individuals and communities. Deyanira highlights that “pedagogy is even the way we treat ourselves, the way we take care of ourselves,” emphasizing that care is woven into the fabric of their work. Centering their work around care and caring for the other also manifests itself in creating spaces for “disfrute” (enjoyment) and connection. As made clear through her work and pedagogy, fostering joy and well-being is essential for sustaining individuals and communities in the face of adversity. In one of the spaces known as the Escuela de Mujeres (School for Women), Deyanira vividly recalls them expressing their desire for activities like swimming, dancing, and cycling, explaining that “when you are enjoying life you have more tools to be able to approach life from another point of view.” And that is where change is truly going to occur.
For Deyanira, March 8th is a powerful and multifaceted commemoration. It represents “a lot of light, a lot of hope, a lot of dignity, a lot of strength,” conjuring a sense of both inspiration and challenge. To her, this day is an opportunity to honor both the struggles and the victories of women across generations, acknowledging the sacrifices made by many while also celebrating the growing strength and clarity of the present. As a reflective practitioner, Deyanira connects this intergenerational struggle to her own experience, unearthing a profound hope in the increasing visibility and empowerment of women and girls.
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