This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” calls for urgent and collective action to address global human rights challenges. In this deeply moving episode of Coming to the Mat, we are honored to welcome Koteka Wenda—storyteller, cultural performer, and spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign.
This conversation is raw and unfiltered, diving into the heart of Koteka’s journey. As the daughter of Benny Wenda, a leading voice in the West Papuan independence movement, Koteka has lived a life shaped by her people’s struggle against Indonesian colonial rule, systemic human rights violations, and genocide. Her story of displacement and relentless advocacy shines a light on the emotional toll and unyielding courage behind the fight for justice.
Koteka’s reflections also reveal the powerful influence of her mother, whose unwavering strength and sacrifices ensured the safety and security of their family during the darkest times. In a heartfelt tribute, Koteka applauds her mother, Maria Wenda, as “a strong West Papuan woman, an incredibly supportive wife to our Bapa, and a real mama bear to us, your children. We love you to Wamena and back.” Her words honor the quiet yet profound resilience of West Papuan women who hold their families together in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Now living in exile in the United Kingdom, Koteka carries the hopes of her people while navigating the complexities of advocacy as a young Melanesian woman. Her voice brings an unparalleled authenticity to the themes of freedom and self-determination, echoing the urgency of this year’s Human Rights Day message.
Throughout this episode, Koteka opens up about the weight of her father’s legacy, the personal sacrifices of her advocacy journey, and the role of women as transformative agents in movements for liberation. With raw honesty, she recounts the emotional challenges of standing up for an oppressed nation and reflects on the power of resilience and collective action in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Join us as we sit down with Koteka in this deeply emotional and eye-opening conversation. Together, we storian—sharing truths, struggles, and aspirations for a world where human rights and freedoms are not just ideals but lived realities.
This episode is more than a story of resistance; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the urgency of solidarity, and the unyielding hope for freedom. Tune in and be moved by the powerful voice of Koteka Wenda and the message she brings to the world.
Music Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuB9bU5vRt0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faJfu-FJVt0
Connect @: https://www.instagram.com/kolaliwenda/
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This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” calls for urgent and collective action to address global human rights challenges. In this deeply moving episode of Coming to the Mat, we are honored to welcome Koteka Wenda—storyteller, cultural performer, and spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign.
This conversation is raw and unfiltered, diving into the heart of Koteka’s journey. As the daughter of Benny Wenda, a leading voice in the West Papuan independence movement, Koteka has lived a life shaped by her people’s struggle against Indonesian colonial rule, systemic human rights violations, and genocide. Her story of displacement and relentless advocacy shines a light on the emotional toll and unyielding courage behind the fight for justice.
Koteka’s reflections also reveal the powerful influence of her mother, whose unwavering strength and sacrifices ensured the safety and security of their family during the darkest times. In a heartfelt tribute, Koteka applauds her mother, Maria Wenda, as “a strong West Papuan woman, an incredibly supportive wife to our Bapa, and a real mama bear to us, your children. We love you to Wamena and back.” Her words honor the quiet yet profound resilience of West Papuan women who hold their families together in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Now living in exile in the United Kingdom, Koteka carries the hopes of her people while navigating the complexities of advocacy as a young Melanesian woman. Her voice brings an unparalleled authenticity to the themes of freedom and self-determination, echoing the urgency of this year’s Human Rights Day message.
Throughout this episode, Koteka opens up about the weight of her father’s legacy, the personal sacrifices of her advocacy journey, and the role of women as transformative agents in movements for liberation. With raw honesty, she recounts the emotional challenges of standing up for an oppressed nation and reflects on the power of resilience and collective action in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Join us as we sit down with Koteka in this deeply emotional and eye-opening conversation. Together, we storian—sharing truths, struggles, and aspirations for a world where human rights and freedoms are not just ideals but lived realities.
This episode is more than a story of resistance; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the urgency of solidarity, and the unyielding hope for freedom. Tune in and be moved by the powerful voice of Koteka Wenda and the message she brings to the world.
Music Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuB9bU5vRt0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faJfu-FJVt0
Connect @: https://www.instagram.com/kolaliwenda/
Episode 39: "One Wave, One Voice": Deep-Sea Minerals and Their Impact on Geopolitical Competition in the Pacific
Coming to the Mat
10 months ago
Episode 39: "One Wave, One Voice": Deep-Sea Minerals and Their Impact on Geopolitical Competition in the Pacific
Coming to the Mat
This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” calls for urgent and collective action to address global human rights challenges. In this deeply moving episode of Coming to the Mat, we are honored to welcome Koteka Wenda—storyteller, cultural performer, and spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign.
This conversation is raw and unfiltered, diving into the heart of Koteka’s journey. As the daughter of Benny Wenda, a leading voice in the West Papuan independence movement, Koteka has lived a life shaped by her people’s struggle against Indonesian colonial rule, systemic human rights violations, and genocide. Her story of displacement and relentless advocacy shines a light on the emotional toll and unyielding courage behind the fight for justice.
Koteka’s reflections also reveal the powerful influence of her mother, whose unwavering strength and sacrifices ensured the safety and security of their family during the darkest times. In a heartfelt tribute, Koteka applauds her mother, Maria Wenda, as “a strong West Papuan woman, an incredibly supportive wife to our Bapa, and a real mama bear to us, your children. We love you to Wamena and back.” Her words honor the quiet yet profound resilience of West Papuan women who hold their families together in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Now living in exile in the United Kingdom, Koteka carries the hopes of her people while navigating the complexities of advocacy as a young Melanesian woman. Her voice brings an unparalleled authenticity to the themes of freedom and self-determination, echoing the urgency of this year’s Human Rights Day message.
Throughout this episode, Koteka opens up about the weight of her father’s legacy, the personal sacrifices of her advocacy journey, and the role of women as transformative agents in movements for liberation. With raw honesty, she recounts the emotional challenges of standing up for an oppressed nation and reflects on the power of resilience and collective action in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Join us as we sit down with Koteka in this deeply emotional and eye-opening conversation. Together, we storian—sharing truths, struggles, and aspirations for a world where human rights and freedoms are not just ideals but lived realities.
This episode is more than a story of resistance; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the urgency of solidarity, and the unyielding hope for freedom. Tune in and be moved by the powerful voice of Koteka Wenda and the message she brings to the world.
Music Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuB9bU5vRt0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faJfu-FJVt0
Connect @: https://www.instagram.com/kolaliwenda/
