Women and Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution (Civil rights on the rise)

[HuckleB]

Women and Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1353

"...

The fight for women’s rights has taken on a new meaning within the Bolivarian Revolution.  With the election of Hugo Chávez Frías in 1998, Venezuela is proposing a democracy based on participation, in which the rights of citizens are not defined as purely political but instead embark on encompassing social justice and equality. Most women look upon this revolution, dedicated to tearing down the formally rigid and exclusive “democracy”, as the beginning of a new phase in the fight for gender equality.  The focus is on no longer fighting for legal rights and political power, but instead changing the complexion of society. 

In one of his first acts as president, Chávez called for a Constituent Assembly to draft a new Constitution that would serve as the catalyst to change the stagnant, exclusionary fabric of Venezuelan society. Thousands of women including, feminists, former guerrillas, housewives, professionals, and members of organizations such as Women for Venezuela and United Women Leaders formed the Constitutional Front of Women of the Fifth Republic Movement (FCMMVR), which educated and organized women to draft demands for the Constitution and to promote the candidacy of feminists to the Constitutional Assembly. With the approval of the new Constitution on December 15th, 1999, Venezuelan women achieved an unprecedented social and political victory, as well as one of the most advanced constitutions in the world.

Often referred to as the non-sexist Magna-Carta, the Venezuelan Constitution guarantees total social, political and economic rights to all citizens. It clearly states that women are entitled to full citizenship, and it addresses discrimination, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. In addition to guaranteeing full equality between men and women in employment, it is the only Constitution in Latin America that that recognizes housework as an economically productive activity, thus entitling housewives to social security benefits (Article 88). By allotting economic privileges to a job that was previously unrecognized as having an economic value, Venezuela is breaking down societal norms and capitalist ideology which exclusively associate value with producing revenue. 

The president of the National Institute for Women, María León, notes, “Our Constitution enhances the struggle against discrimination of human beings, and because of this it includes mechanisms for the protection of all social groups,” and adds “Article 88 is an example to be followed by all countries in their struggle to eradicate discrimination against women.” The Venezuelan Constitution (Article 76) also recognizes the sexual and reproductive rights of women and obliges the state to ensure that doctors provide accurate information about family planning.  It acknowledges the social function of motherhood and guarantees healthcare to the mother, from the moment of conception and during post-partum. Article 75 states that family relations are based in equality of rights and duties, in solidarity, in mutual comprehension and in reciprocal respect. 

..."

[murray hill farm]

1. What is happening here?

Venezuela becoming the new center of civilization in the world?

[HuckleB]

2. That's odd.

Where oh where did all the Chavez bashers go?

[Vidar]

3. Don't know, I'm a whole-hearted fan.

[Judi Lynn]

4. This is probably the time they've reserved for their social activities

[HuckleB]

8. LOL!

:hi:

[NYC]

5. Sounds like real progress.

Maybe someday, we'll have the same.

[Judi Lynn]

6. Wouldn't that be nice? They came from WAY behind, too.

From the article, there was a much different world in place there until the 1980's:

Beyond organizational obstacles, Venezuelan women were severely restricted by penal, civil, and labor laws. Up until the early 80s, married and cohabiting women were not allowed to manage their own affairs, make decisions for their children, work, own property, or sign official documents without spousal approval.
(snip)

Looks like the march toward progress is deeply ingrained in the majority of Venezuelans, as they've been working for change despite the efforts of those determined to keep Venezuela as a feudal society.

[whatelseisnew]

7. What a concept

"... In addition to guaranteeing full equality between men and women in employment, it is the only Constitution in Latin America that that recognizes housework as an economically productive activity, thus entitling housewives to social security benefits "

[HuckleB]

9. Yes, it is beautiful. Finally, real-world rights.

[HuckleB]

10. A good news kick.