Help bolster women in Puerto Rico to lead their families, communities, and society in ending racism, sexism and discrimination.

Why we care: Puerto Rican women face violence because of a culture of racism that remains from colonialism and patriarchal beliefs.

How we’re solving this: Training women to embrace their ancestral roots, confidently recognize and correct racist behavior and language, and become leaders of social change.

Afro-descendent women in Puerto Rico suffer multiple discriminations, based on their race and gender, as well as on patriarchal beliefs that hold them to be inferior within society. This situation has made them vulnerable to violence. Puerto Rico exists within a state of cultural, political, and social limbo. It is neither fully a part of the United States, nor a separate and autonomous entity. As a result implementation of laws that protect women from gender-based violence is inconsistent.

Ilé is empowering women and emboldening them to embrace their ancestral roots as a tool of strength in standing up for their rights. “Africa en mi piel, Africa en mi ser” (Africa in My Skin, Africa in My Being) is an anti-racism and anti-colonialism campaign designed by women for women to strengthen the Afro-descendant identity. Ilé will conduct anti-racism workshops throughout Puerto Rico for 90 women. Workshops will focus on ways to shift racist ideologies, ancestral history, and on how to promote women’s healing and leadership. Trainings will help women rise above stigma and discrimination and develop confidence regarding their racial identity.

These women will also learn strategies to recognize and correct racist behavior and language among family and community members. The final outcome is that these women, trained with leadership skills, will forge ahead, create transformative visions for their communities to eradicate racism and sexism, and drive a movement of women to catalyze social change. Training workshops will last for three months in three different communities throughout Puerto Rico: Barranquitas (center of the island), Mayagüez (west part of the island), and San Juan (Metro area in the northeast part of the island).

Additionally, Ilé will reach hundreds of women and girls through public theatrical performances and a public fashion show. The show will include participants from the organization’s trainings presenting African and Afro-Boricua fashion; speaking about African history, culture, philosophy, and religion; and listening to African music. The fashion show will celebrate the participants not just for their beauty, but for their leadership roles in their community and family.