Suyen Barahona, a feminist and prominent Nicaraguan activist, has dedicated her life to the fight for democracy. Her journey in activism began with environmental activism and, in 2006, moved into politics —at a time when she and other women recognized the early signs of a new authoritarian regime in Nicaragua.
Her decision to enter politics emerged from deep discussions with the country’s women’s movement. Some reached a powerful conclusion: while strong civil society and independent movements are essential, real change also requires more women in formal political spaces—pushing forward policies that improve the lives of all, “not only of women, but of our communities, of our countries.” In addition, the banning of therapeutic abortion in Nicaragua further drove her commitment.
Unfortunately, what she feared came to pass: “A brutal dictatorship developed and consolidated and started to dismantle democracy in the country.” Suyen was persecuted and unjustly imprisoned twice. The second time, she was incarcerated for almost 606 days—nearly two years—and was kept under conditions of torture, as she describes it, and separated from her four-and-a-half-year-old son.
Her release came at a devastating price: she and 222 other political prisoners were banished from the country, deported to the United States, and stripped of their nationality and properties. “I don’t exist—at least that’s what the dictatorship would like in Nicaragua,” she says.
From this rupture, a new path emerged.
Suyen became the Executive Director of the Colmena Fund, a bold initiative to support women political leaders across the Global South. The fund’s name—Colmena, or “hive”—reflects its purpose: to nurture a collective of women leaders working together to reshape politics, advance rights, and build inclusive democracies.
The Colmena Fund prioritizes women from historically marginalized communities and identities, while supporting organizations aligned with feminist values, democracy, and human rights. It’s not just about increasing representation—it’s about building real, collective power.
Suyen’s lived experience, along with that of Colmena’s Steering Committee members—which include former vice presidents like Epsy Campbell (Costa Rica), Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (South Africa), and María Leonor Gerona (Philippines)—deeply informs the fund’s strategy. These women have faced authoritarianism, racism, and corruption. They understand what it means to lead in hostile environments.
One of the most urgent challenges, Suyen explains, is violence—physical, digital, and symbolic. “The number one barrier women face is violence, harassment, and disinformation,” she says. Women often face these threats in isolation, even within their own political parties. That’s why the fund promotes holistic protection and long-term accompaniment for women in politics.
Beyond direct support, Colmena plays a key role in bringing together different sectors and movements across regions to build more enabling environments for feminist leadership. It aims to change narratives, amplify women’s stories, and challenge the stereotypes that hold them back.
In a global context marked by backlash and regression, Suyen sees an opportunity: to reimagine leadership and democracy through the lens of feminist values. This means building societies where people can thrive socially, culturally, and economically—where diversity is celebrated, and justice is possible.
The women Colmena supports are diverse, resilient leaders who have endured violence, discrimination, and dictatorship—and remained hopeful. Their stories, like Suyen’s, are powerful reminders of what’s possible when we invest in collective leadership and inclusive democracies.
“In my darkest moments,” Suyen says, “it was the solidarity of women—my feminist sisters around the world—that always filled me with strength and hope.” An important message from this reflection is to “never underestimate the power within yourself, but also the power of solidarity within the collective of women.”
That’s the power of the hive. And that’s the vision behind Colmena: to ensure that women are not alone, and that together, they can transform politics and build a more just world.
