On August 31, together with FIMA, we launched and returned the results of the PAR (participatory action research) 'Critical Minerals and Gender Equality: The Voices The Voices of the Women of Antofagasta and Atacama' to 10 women from the Antofagasta and Atacama regions in northern Chile. This study was carried out based on the voices and testimonies of environmental leaders and activists who, during November 2023, shared their experiences in the fight against the extractive lithium industry in the north of this country.

The study highlights some of the differentiated gender impacts identified in the dialogues with women defenders of human rights, lands, and territories. Since the report is based on testimonies, it does not seek to be a methodologically representative study of all the actors and population sectors relevant to understanding the dynamics in the Antofagasta and Atacama regions but rather a testimonial resource. It recounts experiences and life stories that shed light on the unequal power relations generated by extractive activities in the territories. Thus, the information collected comes entirely from women's opinions, stories, and subjective experiences, mostly belonging to Indigenous communities, activists, and human rights defenders.

Some of the reflections highlighted by women in the meetings relate to the fact that lithium mining, rather than being a solution to the climate crisis, exacerbates gender inequalities and violates human rights. Women in the affected territories are wary of the concept of "energy transition," as it is used to justify extractive activities that impose socio-environmental costs on them without offering real benefits.

Lithium mining is associated with environmental erosion and historical marginalisation, so many women reject its continuation, considering that it creates "sacrifice zones" and alters ecosystems, harming their traditional ways of life.

Some women propose more equitable lithium mining, which distributes benefits fairly and minimises environmental impacts. They advocate for an approach that includes female participation and respects local ecosystems.

They also highlight the need for spaces for effective participation so that their voices are heard in decision-making regarding extracting critical minerals.

Finally, the text underlines that the exploitation of nature and women come from the same extractivist ideology, where both become objects of costs externalised by companies.

During the meeting, we also presented a documentary video with material filmed in November 2023, which seeks to amplify the voices and testimonies of women who fight for a transition towards more just societies in harmony with nature. This film document focuses on the global dynamics of the extraction of critical minerals necessary for low-carbon technologies, which create "sacrifice zones" and violate the rights of local communities, especially women. The video is a call to listen to the impacted communities and to promote the sustainable and fair use of natural resources.

To this extent, we hope that both the video and the report will be reappropriated by communities, women defenders, and all those seeking to channel a more just and sustainable alternative model where it is possible to live with dignity and in harmony with nature. Our goal is for this material to serve as a valuable tool to promote their cause and promote a change in the paradigm of the mining-energy sector.

The report is available in Spanish.