The Autobiography of María Elena Moyano: The Life and Death of a Peruvian Activist

by Diana M. Tupac (Editor), Patricia Taylor Edmisten (Translator)

"Moyano’s life exemplifies the overwhelming obstacles that poor barrio women experience not only in Peru but also in other third world countries. This autobiographical book adds important information to several different Latin American politics, feminism, sociology, and current Peruvian history. . . . Edmisten’s expertise is obvious in the scholarly introduction and readable translation."—Mary H. Wilgus, Campbellsville University Using María Elena Moyano’s own words, the editor of this poignant story has re-created the voice of the martyred Peruvian activist. In 1992, at age 33, Moyano was assassinated by guerrillas of the revolutionary movement Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path). Her murder--a warning to others in the women’s movement--galvanized the Peruvian people against Sendero Luminoso and its leader, Abimael Guzmán Reynosa. In part 1 of this work, Moyano traces the struggle of poor women in Peru and how they developed survival organizations such as the Vaso de Leche (Glass of Milk) and the communal kitchen feeding program to cope with poverty made worse by government austerity adjustments. Like other women, Moyano honed her leadership skills in these programs. She condemned the terrorist tactics of Sendero Luminoso and publicly proclaimed that they were not on the side of the poor. She also condemned the human rights abuses of the military and police. In part 2, Moyano relates the hardships of her impoverished childhood and describes the difficulties of achieving an education. She speaks also of her marriage and of childbirth, of the discrimination she faced, and of her gradual and steady rise to positions of authority within the popular women’s movement and as deputy mayor and spokesperson for the 300,000 people of Villa El Salvador, a Lima barrio. As a woman of color, Moyano led a revolution of conscience within a larger revolution. Through this gracefully translated book, her voice continues to speak for all women who refuse to relinquish the struggle for dignity, freedom, and equal political participation. All royalties from this book will go to the Flora Tristán Center for the Peruvian Woman. Diana Miloslavish Tupac studied literature at the National University of San Marcos in Lima. She went to Mexico to participate in a study on ethnic minorities and human rights, and there she became a member of the Mexican Solidarity Committee for Guatemalan refugees. Upon her return to Peru, she rejoined the Flora Tristán Center for the Peruvian Woman. Patricia S. Taylor Edmisten is an independent scholar and retired professor of the sociological foundations of education at the University of West Florida. She has worked in Peru as a Peace Corps volunteer and as a consultant for the United Nations and is the author of Nicaragua La Prensa and the Chamorro Legacy (UPF, 1990).

Genres: Memoir, Biography

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2000

Reviews

[Julia Granni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book tells the story of a brave and inspiring Afro-Peruvian woman who dedicated her life to supporting women’s rights and helping the poor.
I really admire how deeply she believed in the importance of community and empowerment. Despite knowing the dangers she faced, she continued her work.
Tragically, she was killed by terrorists in the 90s at only 33 years old.
The biography is written in a rather descriptive and somewhat repetitive style, but it remains very engaging and informative. I also learned a lot about Peru, and I would definitely recommend this book!

[J. Robin Whitley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an important story but a lot of it seemed repetitive. The thread could have been lost in translation. We need to read these important stories of courageous women.