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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE June 9, 2007
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| April 29, 2007 |
La Guaira, Venezuela – Venezuelan Women: A Country’s Unsung Heroines |
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| Peace Boat participants with INAMUJER members |
In Venezuela, women have been instrumental in initiating legal and institutional reforms, have helped to draft a Constitution which creates the framework for a society based on social justice, increased representation in politics, and have defended their democracy. Peace Boat participants traveled to Caracas and visited the National Institute for Women (INAMUJER), a progressive organization fighting for gender equality. |
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| Maria Leon welcomes Peace Boat |
In 2000, President Hugo Chavez formed INAMUJER by presidential mandate, in accordance with the Law of Equal Opportunities for Women, Article 44. He appointed Maria Leon, a leading women’s rights activist and former guerrilla fighter as the director. In her welcoming speech to Peace Boat participants, Ms Leon said, “Everyone is participating to create this new revolution. Visitors to Venezuela should come in peace like what Peace Boat is doing. This is the second time Peace Boat has [visited us] and we consider you family.” |
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| A chocolate making workshop |
INAMUJER educates women to defend their political rights in order to achieve a truly democratic society, not only politically, but also socially and culturally, in which men and women are valued as equals. In order to accomplish this, INAMUJER organizes campaigns, for example on sexual and reproductive rights and prevention of violence against women. INAMUJER has also launched a free telephone hotline for victims of domestic violence, as well as a shelter. Peace Boat participants were able to join in some chocolate and jewellery making workshops with the Venezuelan women, both traditional Venezuelan practices. |
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| Participants talk about women’s roles in Japan |
Peace Boat participants heard several inspirational stories from the Cultural Programme Director, Eunices, on women who fought for freedom. Although they are not well known, these women were activists imperative to the Bolivarian Revolution. Eunices also emphasized the role played by indigenous women. Many Peace Boat participants had questions about women’s rights and roles in Venezuela today, with questions ranging from employment opportunities to child rearing. In return, participants prepared a speech that outlined Japanese women’s position in society. Together they were able to compare the similarities and differences between the two nations. “With hard work and support, women can have a career and a fulfilling family life. In Japan we had to choose one or the other, I am glad to see this is changing” said one woman in her late 50s. |
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| Cultural exchange with INAMUJER members |
In addition to workshops and educational programmes, INAMUJER also evaluates public policies directed towards women in order to assure the guarantee of equal opportunities. One INAMUJER member said, “we are taking matters into our own hands, it doesn’t just come to us, and we work hard for progress.” Unlike their female pioneers before them who were tortured and martyred for their liberation movement, Venezuelan women today have the potential to construct a new humane society, which could not only change their reality but also set an example for the term ‘gender equality’. |
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