A fight against human rights violations in Guapinol, Honduras: a decolonial feminist methodology in narratives of resistance

Abstract

This article addresses the flagrant human rights violations in Guapinol, Honduras, between 2018-2022, emphasizing the decolonial feminist methodology used in a participatory action investigation. In recent years, the region has witnessed numerous human rights violations, especially related to the defense of the Guapinol River against the mining company Inversiones Los Pinares. The main objective of this article is to explore the methodology employed in the collection of the resistance narratives of five women who are all relatives of the "Guapinol Eight," the water defenders who were imprisoned for their defense of the river. Adopting a human rights perspective, the decolonial feminist methodology revealed the crucial contribution of women in resistance, providing a comprehensive methodological map for understanding the dynamics of oppression, intimidation and violence imposed by Inversiones Los Pinares. The results underscore the essential role of women in the struggle against human rights violations. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of sharing the methodology used, not only as an analysis of the violations in Guapinol, but also as a call for the continued collection and sharing of stories of resistance. The author hopes that this approach will inspire future research that gives voice to the experiences of resistors and promotes social justice.