The Kitchen as a Political Space. Mediation Experiences by Women Survivors of the Armed Conflict in Montes de María, Colombia

Abstract

This article reflects on the political stance of women in contexts of armed conflict and post‑agreement in Montes de María, Colombia. In an investigative exercise based on social constructionism and participatory action research, the forms of psychosocial and symbolic mediation that have emerged in the territory are analyzed. Consequently, how can the kitchen become a political space and an element of mediation for women survivors of the armed conflict? And how can peace be understood from the perspective of daily care? Three conclusions are outlined: the kitchen becomes a political space, as a scenario where cohesion, coexistence and resistance actions are incubated; the women of the Cocinando Ideas collective from Montes de María have positioned themselves as protagonists in the construction of peace as spokespersons for their stories and those of other women who have contributed to peace. Finally, peace involves taking care of oneself and others; peace as daily care ceases to be a concept and becomes an action.