Gendered Leadership and the Struggle for Equality in the Chilean, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan Revolutions

Abstract

History 299 Revolution and Counterrevolution Exam Spring, 2021 Due May 6th at 11.00am 2. Consider the issue of gender and leadership in the Chilean, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan revolutions. How do gender relations shape the experience of male and female leaders in the revolutionary process and how has that experience impacted the struggle for gender equality in these societies? Introduction Gender played significant roles in the history of revolution and it continues to influence our pursuit in politics, social and economic development. The world of politics and the concept of leadership are connected to gender. Today, gender relations shapes the way people behave, plan, believe and interpret information about the world. The world continues to witness the drastic changes happening in politics from the influence of gendered leadership in the revolutionary process. Specially, this paper provides an understanding of the gender issues and leadership in the Chilean, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan revolutions and how the experience has impacted the struggle for gender equality in these societies. Chilean Chile is among the most socially conformist countries of Latin America. It is characterised with a society where customary gender roles and patriarchal culture have been the historical custom (Baldez, 253-272). To change the narrative of male dominance, more women began participating in politics and protests using the organisations of women’s rights by eighteenth century (Baldez, 253-272). These experiences have impacted the struggle for gender equality in Chile especially in political and economic concerns such as increased domestic violence, income disparities and gender roles issues. Gender Relations According to history, Chile women were involved in many revolutions that benefited the fight for gender equality. In 1912-1995, Maria de la Cruz became concerned with the women’s rights such as voice in politics and career in journalism, writing and political commentary (Baldez, 253-272). By 1953, she was elected as the first ever woman to be Chilean Senate. In 1940s, First Lady Rosa Markman de Gonzalez Videla addressed issues affecting women and she motivated them to participate in work force and politics via organisations (Baldez, 253-272). Chile has specific organisations such as the national Women’s Service (SERNAM) founded in 1991 by the state (Baldez, 253-272). The objective of this organisation is to prepare executive bills pertaining to the rights of women. Another organisation is The Women’s Study Centre. The Women’s study Centre was established in 1984 and focuses on doing research, training women and attempts to increase the number of women participating in politics. Chile also returned to democracy and this improved education for women, participation on workforce and better legal rights. Impact on legal rights These experiences have impacted the struggle for gender equality in Chile. In 1994, the law validated that working women receiving low-income should get financial support for child care. The 2007 bill also provided a direct access to the compensations of child support (Baldez, 253-272). By 2004, Chilean legalized divorce and elected a first female president, Michelle Bachelet in 2006 (Baldez, 253-272). During the 2009 presidential crusades, the events promoted the equality changes to maternal leave, favourable work schedules and access to knowledge and skills on respective jobs (Baldez, 253-272). However, female employees not employed in the formal sector and lack employment are still excluded from compensation from maternity leave. Impact on Politics By 1949, Chile women were granted the right to vote in national elections while municipal elections during 1931. In 2006, Michelle Bachelet became the first woman president in Chile and has established a cabinet with equal representation of men and women (Baldez, 253-272). She has managed to increase the financial plan for SERNAM and her leadership is centred on enhancing opportunities and policies concerning women, ensuring better child care, pension improvement and better breastfeeding rules (Baldez, 253-272). Lastly, Soledad Alvear participated as a presidential candidate in 2006 and after losing to Michelle, she gradually planned and established SERNAM. Nicaraguan In Nicaraguan, women are recognised as part of serious revolutions. During the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), it is estimated that women participation was 25 to 30 percent of the revolutionist population (Santos & Maria, 42-46). Some of the roles undertaken by women during the revolution include; coordinators, advocates for communication, sustenance of their homes and motivating their husbands to be part of the revolution (Santos & Maria, 42-46). However, a transformation in gender relations was restricted since the process was influenced by the principles and main concern of the Sandinista government instead of the core women organization, Associacion de Mujeres Nicaraguenses Luisa Amanda Espinosa (AMNLE) (Santos & Maria, 42-46). Since the women were empowered, they were able to go against setbacks that would lower their status to domestic roles. The portrayal of women supported the politics of gender equality in this society. Impact on Gender Roles The Sandinista National Liberation Front became a representation of social change, integrity and democracy in the society. Many of the women from the revolution changed their gender roles during the struggle for national independence and freedom which is still present to date (Santos & Maris, 42-46). This happened specifically during the counterrevolution which was sponsored by the United States of America. These women maintained the already existing revolution and also created another to boost the political, social and economic improvement of women (Santos & Maria, 42-46). The revolutionary struggle to overthrow the Somoza regime was a method of establishing a system free of political, economic and social inequalities. Women aggressively participated in combat as opposed to the popular belief that women only sustained households. Women were seen as objects with no clue of their husband’s source of income and did not have any legal control in marriage (Santos & Maria, 42-46). However, many women joined the fight of Sandinista revolution which is something that has never happened...