Elaine Shajian Shawit: First female president of the Regional Coordinator of Indigenous Peoples of San Lorenzo (CORPI SL), Loreto

On International Women’s Day, we share the story of Elaine Shajian Shawit, an Awajún indigenous leader. In December 2024, she was elected the first female president of the Regional Coordinator of Indigenous Peoples of San Lorenzo (CORPI SL) in the Loreto region. This achievement reminds us that gender equality remains the greatest challenge in human rights, yet there are cases where the gap begins to narrow.

Elaine was born in the native community of Sachapapa, a day’s boat ride from San Lorenzo city, in Manseriche, Datem del Marañón province. During her childhood, her father played a significant role in her life. He was a teacher who understood the reality of Amazonian indigenous peoples, defended their territory, fervently promoted their culture, and advised neighbours in conflict resolution, fostering respect among communities. “I remember admiring these qualities in him; I wanted to follow his legacy, carry on his teachings and his fight. He encouraged me to study and speak up, even though it wasn’t common for women to participate actively,” the 42-year-old leader recalls.

Her path to leadership was not easy—she often felt invisible, dismissed, and weak. Along the way, she met wise indigenous elders who supported her and urged others to believe in her potential. “I was afraid to participate and didn’t see any opportunities, but one elder invited everyone to recognise my leadership, reminding them that I had the knowledge and experience,” she says. This marked the beginning of her professional journey, where she supported events and joined the board of her federation—the only woman among the 32 federations of CORPI SL. In 2022, she reached a significant milestone by being elected vice president of CORPI SL. A year later, when the president stepped down, she assumed the position and was officially elected president by the assembly in 2024 in recognition of her leadership and work.

As part of her legacy at CORPI SL, Elaine highlights her efforts in strengthening the Women’s Programme, which continues to grow to ensure more women receive training and participate equally with men in decision-making spaces. She also notes her contribution to defining the comprehensive territory of the Kandozi people, which will legitimise the population, reduce conflicts with neighbouring communities, and advance the recognition, titling, and expansion of their native lands.

Another significant achievement is the reinforcement of the control and surveillance system. By equipping the organisation and communities, CORPI SL can now receive early warnings of situations that violate collective rights in their territories, enabling coordination with the Early Warning and Action System (SAAT) of the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon (AIDESEP) and the authorities. During her tenure, efforts have also been made to strengthen communities so they can access the fine compensation mechanism from the Supervisory Agency for Forest and Wildlife Resources (OSINFOR), establish conservation areas, and monitor their forests.

The Awajún leader also recognises the power of communication for effective advocacy. As such, she aims to strengthen her communications team and create a youth network of field correspondents.

Elaine Shajian Shawit acknowledges that reducing the gender gap in decision-making spaces is challenging, but she is certain that with conviction and courage, it is possible. “On International Women’s Day, I remind you that we are strong, capable, and have the same rights as men. I am grateful to the women who are already leading the way and paving the path for others,” she emphasises.

8 March, International Women’s Day
This day is an opportunity to make women’s efforts visible and reflect on the challenges they still face to eradicate inequality, secure their rights, and combat the various forms of violence they endure.

BLF Andes Amazon Project

The BLF Andes Amazon Project aims to contribute to transforming current systems in the Andes Amazon Landscape, a transboundary territory (Peru–Ecuador) rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. It carries out strategic interventions in biodiversity conservation, governance, gender, climate finance, and value chain strengthening to promote sustainable livelihoods, halt deforestation and biodiversity loss, and foster climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The BLF Andes Amazon Project is funded by the UK International Development under the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund and implemented by a consortium led by Practical Action in partnership with NCI, AIDESEP, WWF, TERRA NUOVA, and COSPE.

 

© Lorena Mendoza