Ecuador is currently in the midst of a major national strike that is effectively shutting down the country. The strike has been led by Indigenous organizations and supported nationwide—particularly by those most affected by years of economic instability and increasingly authoritarian policies.

I grew up partly in Mojandita, a small rural community in the Ecuadorian highlands, where my parents still live. Both of them are doing everything they can right now to support the strikers on the front lines, and the families in their community who have nothing to fall back on during this crisis.

My father and his partner are helping to buy and distribute medical supplies — going to pharmacy’s daily to buy whatever is available and making drop offs at local organizing centers. My mom has been buying food for the community and people on the front lines of the strike. My mom wrote: “I’ve bought food, and the community has distributed it—and I’m shocked by the needs of people here, all while striking on behalf of the entire country—minus the small elite—for basic human rights and dignity. If anyone can make a donation, I will ensure it goes directly toward supplementing food for those working tirelessly. This is a humanitarian issue—for the benefit of those risking what they do not even have—with strength, courage, and dignity.”

Anything you can donate it will go directly to buying medical supplies and food and helping the local families of those injured and killed in these protests. Every bit helps. Thank you.

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This strike was sparked by the government's elimination of the diesel subsidy, resulting in price increases of over 50% overnight. Diesel transports food and people, so the impact hit hardest on farmers, rural families, and transport workers.

But it isn’t just about fuel. It’s about years of deepening inequality, unconstitutional laws, and violent repression. The government has responded to peaceful protests with military crackdowns, teargas, curfews, and mass detentions.

The president, Daniel Noboa, is the son of Ecuador’s richest man. As President he has aligned himself closely with Trump and is reportedly pursuing a deal to build mega-prisons in Ecuador for U.S. use. His policies favor elite and foreign interests while the people of Ecuador are fighting for survival.

If you’re able to help with this effort at all, it will go directly to food—grains, vegetables, cooking oil, propane—, basic medical supplies, and local distribution to those who need it.

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