Orsinia Polanco is the first indigenous woman to be elected to Congress in the history of Colombia. In a recent interview with iKNOW Politics, she traces her interest in politics to a need to preserve and represent her indigenous community. Orsinia explains that “politics is in my blood,” recalling memories of her father as a political man and orator who solved conflicts within the indigenous community, and describing her entry into the political sphere as a candidate for councilor in her municipality at the young age of 18. Ever since, Orsinia has pursued politics and academics with a focus on indigenous culture and language. On the recent occasion of her election, she commented:

“I am filled with pride and satisfaction because I am young and I am a woman and I have had to fight hard.”

Within an environment where machismo remains dominant, Orsinia has managed to position herself as a female politician and activist who rivals her male counterparts. In Orsinia’s indigenous Wayuu culture, women are considerably empowered, representing men and “the entire community in different political, social and economic scenarios.” This matriarchal system has prepared Orsinia and nurtured her political aspirations, leading her to take office on the national level within the Chamber of Representatives of Congress.

Orsinia describes the challenges that she has met as one of only 13 women out of a total 166 representatives; she explains that there is a need to form allies and collaborate in order to achieve progress. The Colombian Congress Women’s Commission additionally serves as a forum of women lawmakers to connect and unite in common purpose for the advancement of women’s rights.

Responding to a question on her advice to young girls interested in participating in politics, Orsinia comments:

“In the first place, be strong. And in the second place, prepare yourselves very well in order to prove that we are very capable and that nothing is impossible in this life.”

Read the full interview: Interview with Orsinia Polanco, Member of the Chamber of Representatives, First Indigenous Woman Elected to Colombian Congress- iKNOW Politics