The concept of collective rights is central to indigenous cultures. But the status of indigenous women within and outside their communities remain precarious when they are unable to claim any rights of their own. Janneth Lozano Bustos works with indigenous communities in Colombia to economically empower women so that they can enjoy autonomy over their lives and resources.

Sixty-three-year-old Salomé Miranda is among the emerging group of women construction workers of La Paz, Bolivia. Miranda started working at age seven and received no schooling, like many other indigenous girls in her community. She survived an abusive marriage and with the help of the Association of Women Construction Workers, carved out a new life for herself and her children. Today, she dreams of building her own construction company.

Maria Judite da Silva is an indigenous women who is raising awareness about the zika virus among indigenous women in the state of Maranhão.

In Bolivia, after studying at the UN Women-supported School for Women Leaders, an indigenous Aymara woman managed to overcome a childhood and adolescence of labour exploitation to become an advocate for women's rights.

Leading global companies and foundations are committing millions in additional financing for gender equality at a Business and Philanthropy Leaders’ Forum organized by UN Women today.