Meet Gisella del Pilar Purizaca Eche: Community leader

As part of the Guardians of the Sea (Guardianes del mar) series, Future of Fish’s Jhordan Avalos had the opportunity to speak with Guisella Purizaca Eche, a 33-year-old leader from La Islilla, a small artisanal fishing village located in Paita, Piura – Peru. Known for her openness and motivation to participate in Future of Fish’s leadership programs Guisella is part of the group that formed in her community to address local development issues. In this candid interview, she talks about her life, leadership, the community’s challenges, and opportunities for women in this coastal environment.

Hello Guisella, how are you? Tell us a little about yourself.

Good morning, my name is Guisella del Pilar Purizaca Eche. I am 33 years old and a resident of La Islilla, a small village in Paita. I studied obstetrics and, since returning to the community, I have dedicated myself to helping the population with the knowledge I gained while away. This is my way of giving back and taking responsibility for everything my hometown has given me.

What is the current state of health services in La Islilla?

Unfortunately, we face many shortcomings in the health sector. Despite the population’s growth, we only have one health center operating eight hours a day. There is no permanent doctor or 24/7 emergency services, which significantly limits care. For severe emergencies, patients are transferred to the Paita Hospital using municipal transportation. We also lack adequate medicine. In this area, the community has not progressed at all. Health workers do their best with limited resources, but health remains a basic pillar for development.

As an obstetrician, have you had to assist in births or emergencies in the community?

Yes, I’ve assisted in births during emergencies when there wasn’t enough time to reach Paita or Las Mercedes Hospital. Although I do this from my private practice, we lack suitable spaces for such situations. I contribute to the community in whatever way I can. The municipality provides a vehicle to facilitate patient transfers.

Do you consider yourself a leader in your community?  

Yes, I see myself as a leader. I work for the town’s progress, particularly in areas like tourism, cleanliness, and environmental awareness. One significant challenge has been changing the community’s mindset to care for the environment, such as stopping the disposal of trash and wastewater in the streets. A leader must take initiative, set an example, and be persistent. You can’t ask others not to litter if you don’t set that example yourself. Leadership is about showing through actions how things should be done.

What are your personal goals within the community?  

I want to improve the health sector by expanding services at the health center and organizing cleanup campaigns. I also wish to play an active role on the local health team, contributing through my profession. Within my capacity, I’ve participated in community efforts. My husband is the deputy mayor of La Islilla, and alongside him, I’m promoting the health sector. Due to raising my children, I stepped back from public activities for a time, but I’m ready to resume and continue encouraging women’s participation, especially in the health sector.

What are the biggest challenges for women in fishing communities?  

Machismo remains a significant challenge. It’s often believed that women should stay home with the children, and their potential to achieve great things isn’t recognized. Artisanal fishing is a male-dominated sector, and there are superstitions that limit women’s participation, such as the belief that they “scare away the fish.”  We can promote women’s involvement through workshops and programs that develop skills like sewing, baking, or crafting. Women could also play a greater role as traders in the buying and selling of fish within the artisanal fishing process.  

“It’s essential to create spaces where women can showcase their creativity and talent.”

What does female empowerment mean to you in a fishing community?  

“Empowerment happens when women feel capable of doing things on their own, receive support from their families and community, and their ideas have a positive impact.”

It’s crucial for women to recognize their value and work on meaningful projects. We can stand out in many ways, amplifying ideas that benefit everyone. Sometimes, it’s women themselves who doubt the importance of their participation. Feelings of inferiority toward men, or even envy or jealousy among women, can be barriers. The solution lies in forming associations and distributing roles effectively.

How do you envision the future of La Islilla?

“I dream of a more inclusive community where women play a leading role in economic and social development. It would be ideal to see more women running businesses and, why not, a woman mayor in the future.”

It’s necessary to build women’s self-confidence and provide them with tools such as leadership and entrepreneurship courses. Additionally, we need to foster organization to boost innovation among businesses and promote original ideas.

How can women’s leadership skills be strengthened?

Through educational programs, workshops, and mentorship spaces where they can learn from other women entrepreneurs. Together, we can create significant changes in our communities. We’ve received support in various ways, like cleanup campaigns and water distribution. Moreover, we always demand female representation on municipal teams, and we’ve achieved that.

Originally published in Spanish

Learn more about how you can support women's empowerment in coastal communities in Peru at www.futureoffish.org/50-50