Hispanic Women Promote Power, Action at Mujeres Unidas

POCATELLO (By Sandra Forester, Idaho Statesman) July 28, 2004 — Hispanic women in Idaho say they need to recognize their power and put it to use.

Hispanics make up the largest minority group in the state and country.

Nationwide, politicians and activists are encouraging Hispanics to register to vote, become more politically active and push for representation.

So the time is ripe for Hispanic women to step forward to make a difference, members of Mujeres Unidas de Idaho, the statewide Hispanic women´s organization, said recently during the group´s annual conference, “The Power of One Woman,” at Idaho State University in Pocatello.

“It´s the power of one woman and what an individual can do to bring about change in themselves, their families and their communities,” said Farhana Hibbert, the group´s 2002-03 president.

“Each one of us is unique,” keynote speaker Maria González Mabbutt of Caldwell told more than 50 women at the event. “Each of us is powerful.”

Mabbutt, a translator and activist who heads the Idaho Hispanic Vote project, told the crowd to discover the power in speaking positive words, avoiding judgment of others and loving unconditionally.

“Be impeccable in your words. Words are powerful,” she said. “Don´t take anything personally. Always do your best. Do the right thing.”

The women also attended workshops ranging from politics and autobiographical writing to racism, experiencing Hispanic culture and Latina literature.

In the “Latinas in Politics” workshop, three women who have run for public office spoke about their challenges, accomplishments and the need for women to get involved.

Twin Falls City Councilwoman Gloria Galan said finding Hispanic supporters was difficult during her first race four years ago, but she believes that she has inspired people.

“Through my race I was able to motivate others,” said Galan, who is running this year to retain her seat.

Hibbert, who ran unsuccessfully for Pocatello City Council in 2001 and the state House of Representatives in 2002, said raising money was a challenge but also an opportunity to build a dependable support system.

“There´s no way you could learn what you learn unless you run for office,” she said.

Hibbert urged the women who have no political aspirations to help Hispanics who do.

Karleen Savage, who lost her bid for the Nampa School Board in 2002, said knowing one´s weaknesses and the issues that concern people are key to a campaign.

“Be gut honest about your weaknesses,” Savage said.

She also said that leadership in Idaho needs diversity.

“Leadership clearly needs you. Say ´yes´ to leadership,” she said.

Thea Mateu of Boise said Galan was impressive because she was not a political insider when she ran almost four years ago.

“I was amazed by the fact that she was elected in Twin Falls,” Mateu said. “She´s any of our mothers or grandmothers. Any one of us can aspire to that. She´s every woman. Without any tools or support, she did it.”

Mateu said she appreciated Savage and Hibbert´s perspectives on losing their races. “You don´t have to win to be successful. These women grew and learned from the experience,” Mateu said.

A group of Latinas began Mujeres Unidas about 14 years ago. Women of diverse backgrounds have joined since and attend the annual conferences that rotate among Boise, Pocatello and Twin Falls. “It´s a great opportunity to learn from each other as individuals,” Hibbert said.