Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan women have joined in protest marches and actions defending their government.
The opposition, a US-backed wealthy elite, has locked out workers from their factories, called for a new presidential election and is making its second attempt to overthrow President Hugo Chavez. However, the positive changes made by Chavez have ensured his continued popularity.
Since 1998, when he won in a landslide election, Chavez has become increasingly popular among women, a result of the government's work to improve their status.
As in most of Latin America, Venezuelan women face a double burden: they suffer most from the increased impoverishment caused by International Monetary Fund- and World Bank-imposed austerity measures, and they face “machismo”. A particularly virulent form of sexism, machismo reinforces the sexist stereotype that a woman's place is in the home and not in public life.
Progressive changes made by government have been underpinned by the constitution, which was endorsed by 72% of the population in a popular referendum in 1999. It goes a long way towards addressing the legacy of poverty and sex discrimination in Venezuela.
Its provisions include a commitment to strive for equal wealth distribution, full legal and pay equality. Social security and a pension for housewives are enshrined. It also describes housework as an economic activity that creates surplus value and produces social wealth and well-being.
Most importantly, the Chavez government has begun to redistribute wealth. Free health care has been established, education is free up to tertiary level, new schools have been built at which free meals are offered at every day. Millions of students have enrolled for the first time.
A Women's Bank has been established. The government has also put in place a system of economic credits for domestic work for women who work in the home. Four of the 13 cabinet ministers are women and the constitution specifies a target of 50% women in the cabinet.
Efforts made by government to increase gender equality have opened up opportunities for women to play a more political role. The strengthening of the Venezuelan Women's Institute (VWI) has given women a framework to educate and organise themselves.
The VWI, set up in 1993, was given increased funding in 1999. It was democratised, and opened up to poor and uneducated women. It is now implementing a “National Plan in Defence of Women”, which is targeting domestic violence, and has set up a hotline, shelters and an education program. The government consults the VWI on all policy matters relating to women.
Alongside other women's organisations, the VWI is leading an international strike of women and men called the Global Women's Strike, to be held on March 8, International WomenÂ’s Day. The strike is against war, international poverty and violence against women.
The institute is leading the “permanent mobilisations” of women against the anti-Chavez corporate-owned media. It has issued a call for international support for the Chavez government, which states:
“We are on the streets backing our president and our Bolivarian Revolution. Long live the constitution! No to the fraudulent referendum! No to the pro-coup fascist stoppage! Don't stop for the stoppage!”
The implementation of real social reforms in Venezuela that enable women greater access to education, health and freedom from poverty are strongly defended by Venezuelan women. Feminists in the First World can take inspiration from their struggle and should look for opportunities to extend our solidarity and condemn the current attacks on the Chavez government by US-backed forces.
BY RACHEL EVANS & NATALIE ZIRNGAST
From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, January 29, 2003.
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