Mary Emilse Domicó Bailarin: The skilled artisan whose murder highlights the threats faced by indigenous women in the marginalized regions of Colombia

Mary Emilse was a skilled artisan from the Embera Katio community in Tierralta, Córdoba

Article written by Gabriela Larios, Maria Lugo & Nicolas Melendez

In recent times, the murder of Mary Emilse Domicó Bailarín has attracted public interest, highlighting a range of complex social, cultural, and legal aspects. The story raises key issues about fundamental debates regarding human rights, the autonomy of indigenous communities, and the critical need for effective dialogue between national legal systems and traditional customs. This situation is further complicated by a power vacuum in the department of Córdoba, where state presence and authority are limited, leaving many people without adequate legal protection or representation. This is why this case has become emblematic of the broader struggle to reconcile national laws with the unique cultural and social frameworks of indigenous communities, pointing to urgent reforms needed to address these longstanding issues. 

María Emilse, a 22-year-old mother of a three-year-old boy, was well-known for her social work within the Emberá Katío community in Alto Sinú, Córdoba. She was a skilled artisan dedicated to the traditional crafts of her culture. On May 9th, her body was discovered in a rural area near Tierralta, buried in a makeshift grave. To this day, the exact circumstances of her death remain unknown. However, her family suspects she suffered sexual violence and severe burns, which initially made identifying her body challenging. Her tragic death has deeply shaken her community and underscored the vulnerability of indigenous women in regions where state protections are limited. 

Taking into account the case of Mary Emilse Domicó Bailarín and how her life ended in such a horrific manner, it is crucial to protect and take care of the rights of women, social leaders and indigenous communities in Colombia. Emilse’s dedication to traditional crafts earned her recognition as a prominent indigenous social leader in the cultural sphere. She exemplified the resilience of indigenous women who seek to challenge stereotypes within a patriarchal society and strive for a fairer, more equitable world for those whose voices have long been silenced.  

Her tragic story highlights the urgent need for systemic change, as innocent people continue to be murdered with little recourse for justice. The most heartbreaking aspect of her case is not only her untimely death but also the government’s inaction, leaving her family—along with her three-year-old, dealing with their loss and navigating the state’s complex legal mechanisms. Her family’s grief is compounded by frustration, as her body remains in the Legal Medicine morgue in Montería, a powerful reminder of the lack of commitment from state institutions to bring clarity and justice to Emilse’s death, something which could allow her loved ones a measure of peace and a path toward healing.  

It is essential to mention that being a social leader in a community such as the Embera Katio community is a great responsibility due to the challenges it has had to face throughout its existence. The Embera Katío community has faced various challenges that have risked their well-being and cultural heritage. We can see that the loss of territories due to mining and hydroelectric exploitation projects has generated a problem of forced mass displacement and thus the loss of their connection with the land and their traditional way of life leading to the potential oblivion of their culture. On the other hand, the presence of illegal armed groups on their lands has exposed them to a violent and dangerous environment.   

In addition, there is a lack of visibility in terms of the government ensuring their needs for basic services, such as health and education. All this generates a limitation in their development and at the same time exacerbates discrimination and social exclusion. Finally, international problems such as the advent of climate change and environmental degradation severely affect the natural resources on which they depend for their survival. Understanding all these causes, it is possible to see the need for political representation to answer these questions that have caused the Embera Katio community to suffer day by day. 

The case of Mary Emilse Bailarín is a demonstration of the state's abandonment of indigenous communities and social leaders in Colombia. This tragic event should be the impetus for Colombians, organizations and the media to demand justice and protection for those working for a more just and equitable world. It is crucial that we make the voices of those who have been silenced by violence and government indifference heard. Let us call on society to not only be outraged, but to take action by publicizing these cases and demanding change. Mary Emilse's story cannot be forgotten; it must serve as a reminder that silence makes us part of the problem. It is time to speak out on behalf of those who cannot, on behalf of the victims and their families, on behalf of justice. 

References: 

Castro Pineda, J.G. (2024, junio 6). Familiares de la indígena Mary Emilse Bailarín piden que su muerte no quede impune. Caracol Radio. https://caracol.com.co/2024/06/06/familiares-de-la-indigena-mary-emilse-bailarin-piden-que-su-muerte-no-quede-impune/ 

Redacción Caribe. (2024, mayo 10). El atroz crimen de Mary Emilse, su comunidad indígena clama justicia. La Lengua Caribe. https://www.lalenguacaribe.co/2024/region/cordoba/el-atroz-crimen-de-mary-emilse-su-comunidad-indigena-clama-justicia/