The Autobiography of María Elena Moyano

"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 disciplines 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 wer.