The National Farm Worker Ministry’s Harvest of Justice 2019 brings awareness to gender based violence farm worker women experience everyday. A disturbing 80% of farm worker women surveyed in the California Central Valley in 2010 reported that they had experienced sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment and violence are experienced by both men and women in the fields, but women face this in disproportionately higher numbers. Because of this, our Harvest of Justice 2019 will address women primarily. We want to celebrate farm worker women and women’s organizations that are fighting back. Women are affirming their rights, speaking out, working with allies to change laws, and using consumer actions to address corporate power that acts as a silent sanction to harassment. We urge people of faith to hear the call and stand with farm workers to challenge oppressive systems in order to bring individuals and communities heling.
“We are outraged by the abuse, assault, intimidation, harassment, and rape experienced by farm worker women.”
– Statement by National Farm Worker Ministry, Jan. 2018
Scripture Theme
“Jesus sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them the power to kick out evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.” -Matthew 10: 2-3, The Message
Biblical Resources
Harvest of Justice is an opportunity to raise consciousness, commitment & contributions for farm workers to stand with farm workers against gender based violence. Use these worship resources, bible studies and litanies with your communities at your Harvest of Justice events.
Programs
- Session 1: Celebrating the Work of Farm Worker Women
- Session 2: Leadership Development
- Session 3: Building Accountability Through Partnership
- Session 4: Protection
- Session 5: The Power of Organizing
- Session 6: Global Responsibilities
Activity Ideas
Host a discussion around Gender Based Violence
Host a Congregational Coffee Hour/Adult Sunday School class
Special Event: The Bandana Project
Download the Harvest of Justice 2019 Activity Ideas (pdf)
Maricela’s Story
The video “Maricela’s Story: Standing with Farm Workers Against Gender Based Violence” highlights the work of farm worker partners and allies as they address gender based violence. Thanks to the support of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), Leticia Zavala, their organizer, and Maricela, a member of FLOC, tells the story of how Maricela was affected by sexual harassment as a farm worker woman, and how they addressed this harassment together. The film also highlights allies including the United Farm Workers Union and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.
Download the Harvest of Justice 2019 flyer