We have a right to do this honorable work. These women work under unhealthy conditions 4000 metres above sea level at the low temperatures in the dry, windy environment of the Andes. In 1996 Conception Mining Company blasted the palliris' worksite in order to open a road. Hundreds of palliris declared a state of emergency and climbed to the top of the mountain.
Women also belong to the mining cooperatives.
Diseases like malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, that were unknown in this area. Things are changing very quickly around here. WMC is helping set up new tribal councils. Traditionally when our women were pregnant we advise them to drink salt water to ensure that the baby is healthy and strong. We don't grow healthy crops anymore, our traditional customs and values have been disrupted and we have become mere spectators as our earth is being dug up, taken away and sold for millions.