Celebrating the Garífuna Woman: A Story of Strength, Culture, and Resilience

International Women’s Month is all about celebrating women all over the world. It's about recognizing their power, their stories, and their contributions that often go unnoticed. Today, let's shine a light on an incredible group of women who have fought to preserve their heritage, uplift their communities, and empower the next generation: The Garífuna women.

Photographed by Jontrice Murray

Who Are the Garífuna?

Before we dive into the impact of Garífuna women, let’s take a quick look at who we are. The Garífuna community is a beautiful mix of African, Indigenous, and Caribbean roots, and our culture is a true testament to resilience. We have lived along the coasts of Central America, especially in places like Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, for hundreds of years.

But the story of the Garífuna people hasn’t always been easy. From being displaced during colonization to dealing with modern-day struggles, we have faced many challenges. Despite this, we’ve managed to preserve our language, music, food, and traditions; Garífuna women have worked tirelessly to keep our culture alive and, our resistance to enslavement and our ability to adapt to new environment is something we’re very proud of.

The Power of the Garífuna Woman

Garífuna women are not just the heart of their families—we’re the soul of our communities. We are the keepers of cultural traditions and are often the ones who pass down important lessons through generations. Whether it's through the rhythm of Garífuna drumming, teaching our children to speak our native language, or cooking traditional dishes, we have been the glue that holds their culture together.

But, our influence goes beyond the household. Garífuna women are also leaders and activists. We are involved in politics, fighting for better education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. And many are advocating for environmental protection and social justice, making sure our voices are heard on the global stage. We’re not just maintaining tradition—we’re shaping the future of our communities.

On this International Women’s Month, let’s take a moment to celebrate Garífuna women and the incredible role we play in our communities. Whether we're preserving centuries-old traditions, leading social justice movements, or simply being there for our families, Garífuna women show us what it means to be strong, proud, and relentless in the face of adversity.

We want to remind you that the power of women isn’t just in what we do, but in who we are. We are leaders, caregivers, storytellers, and protectors. We are the heartbeat of our communities, and our contributions are invaluable.

So, what can you do to honor the Garífuna women today—and every day? You can start by listening to our stories, amplifying our voices, and supporting our work. Whether it's advocating for the preservation of indigenous cultures or simply recognizing the contributions of women in our own communities, we all have a role to play in uplifting those who might not always get the recognition they deserve.

This International Women's Month, let's raise a toast to Garífuna women. Our legacy is one of strength, resilience, and love for our people. And our impact is felt far beyond the shores of Central America, reminding us all that true strength comes from knowing who you are and fighting for what you believe in.

Thank you for taking time to learn about who we are and our story. Please share with your friends and family if you enjoyed this blog post.

Credits:

Photographer: Jontrice Murray

Creative Director: Alexa Dolmo & Jontrice Murray

Producer & Writer: Alexa Dolmo

Models: Yanelly Laboriel, Ana Dolmo, Schary Arzu, Ashley Gonzalez, Angie Ortiz, Jaynece Bloxton. Marilyn Dolmo, Alexa Dolmo, Jaleydi Lino.