Two women from the Global Women's Strike, which has been
supporting women in Venezuela since July 2002, were in Caracas on the first anniversary of the revolution.

Their report-back includes a video of speeches and interviews on what this amazing 21st century revolution is winning, what we can do for it and what it can do for us.

In 1998 President Chavez was elected by a landslide to tackle poverty and corruption. The two parties in power for over 40 years had left 80% of Venezuelans, mostly people of colour, in poverty despite a lucrative oil industry.

In 1999, a new constitution framed by the population was voted in, which:
- gives land and housing to rural and homeless people
- promotes co-operatives, and water and food security
- recognises Indigenous land and cultural rights
- promotes employment and social rights for all workers, and
equity between women and men
- recognises housework as productive work
- entitles housewives to health care and a pension
- promotes unity among Third World people

It opposes the privatization of oil, enabling the population to reclaim its stolen oil revenue.

On a continent plagued by US-backed military dictatorships and disappearances, the Chavez government promotes a caring use of its military. Soldiers, as well as defending the revolutionary process, work with and for the community: building homes, schools, providing healthcare . . .

As laws implementing the constitution were about to come into force, the US government and Venezuela’s white racist elite organised a coup and kidnapped President Chavez. But the civilian-military unity paid off. Two days later, on 13 April 2002, millions took to the streets led by women from the poorest areas. With the support of loyal soldiers they won back their elected president and their constitution.

The grassroots took the revolution into its own hands. In January 2003, oil managers, the corporate media and corrupt union leaders tried to stop the revolution by stopping the oil industry. Again they were defeated by people determined to defend and extend their gains.

For more info call: 020-7482 2496 (voice/minicom)
Email  womenstrike8m@server101.com
Crossroads Women’s Centre, 230a Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2AB