Written by Esther Sanchez, Photos by Esther Sanchez
On Sunday, March 30th, a dynamic group of passionate advocates converged in Coachella to raise awareness and support for women’s rights on both a local and global scale. Before hitting the streets, the gathering commenced at noon at the Danza Azteca Citlatonic Center, where attendees engaged in enlightening discussions and listened to informative lectures on pressing issues facing women today. Since its inception in 2017, CVWM has been organized annually, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Gabriela and Citlali Armenta. As the founders and driving force behind Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, a non-profit established in 2007, the Armenta sisters have played a pivotal role in fostering community engagement. DAC offers a unique Aztec Dance and Talking Circle experience, creating a sacred and supportive environment for participants to explore and express their identities through Mexica/Aztec traditions, music, dance, natural healing practices, and meaningful conversations. Those fortunate enough to know the Armenta sisters recognize them as powerful influencers in their community. With a serene yet profound wisdom, these women embody a relentless passion for sharing their culture, inspiring community action, and dedicating themselves to meaningful volunteer efforts.
Citlali Armenta: “The Coachella Valley Women’s March is a sister march of the National Women’s March that started during the first Trump administration back in 2017 in Washington DC and in 2020 Danza Azteca Citlaltonac became the official Grand Marshals and has been leading the Coachella Valley Women’s March ever since. The purpose of the CVWM is to amplify the voices of marginalized women and advocate for legislative change. The march addresses critical issues including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), women’s rights globally, and the struggles of Palestinian women. The event featured speakers, and personal testimonies, culminating in a powerful call to action. It also incorporated a dedicated “Action Station” for attendees to engage in direct advocacy, sign petitions, and contact their elected officials. Our primary goal is to emphasize intersectional feminism, global solidarity, and legislative advocacy.”
The event was attended by a wide array of individuals from all ages and walks of life who share a passion for justice and community action. One of such individuals was Councilmember for the City of Indio, Oscar Ortiz.
CVW: “Councilman, what brought you out to the March?”
Ortiz: “I wanted to support the local women who are organizing to protect women’s rights and hear what concerns are coming up in our community with regards to women’s rights at the moment.”
CVW: “As one of the few male participants this year, would you like to see more men support events such as these in the future?”
Ortiz: “Yes, I think it’s extremely important, especially when it comes to human rights, that we are all paying attention not only to the human rights that affect us, but also protecting the human rights of those around us, outside of our circles, and those of other communities.
Human rights violations always lead to more issues within our communities. More division, fear, and more unstable families and unstable communities. More violence and war between factions of people. We need more people, in general, speaking up and standing up for the human rights of others; especially for our women, our children, and our most vulnerable communities.”
Hilda Zamora ESQ is the Founder/Managing Attorney for Zamora Law Boutique who’s mission states, “Healing First, Financial Justice Next.”
CVW: “As an attorney, what issues do you want to see addressed at these events?”
Zamora: “As attorneys, we have a duty to advocate for fairness and access to justice. I’m committed to addressing inequality, especially for underrepresented groups who may feel powerless in the legal system. As a woman attorney, it’s important to be present and visible in these spaces.
My law firm is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be heard. We are here to give a voice to the voiceless and stand up for those who have been overlooked or silenced.”
Leila Namvar is a Muslim, Iranian American woman who participated as a speaker at the event on the subject of the Importance of Acknowledging the Plight of Women in Gaza in the United States.
Namvar: “Recognizing and addressing the plight of women in Gaza is imperative in the discourse on human rights within the United States. Women in conflict zones, including Palestinian women, endure severe hardships, including restricted access to healthcare, sanitation, education, and economic opportunities, while also facing persistent threats of gender-based violence. As a nation committed to the principles of human rights and international law, the United States must advocate for the provision of humanitarian aid, the enforcement of international human rights protections, and the accountability of those responsible for human rights violations.”
Namvar’s eloquently delivered speech contained a wealth of information that should be ingested and shared by everyone. More information can be found at. www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights.
In addition information regarding the epidemic of MMIWs can be found at www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw.
Learn more about DAC and get involved with future events at www.circulocitlaltonac.com.
