Women, Autonomy & Creating a Caring Economy in Venezuela

Even as the Bush Administration lobbies to block Venezuela from getting a seat on the UN Security Council, support for the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela continues to grow, including in Los Angeles where grassroots communities gathered June 24 for a public event on Women, Autonomy & Creating a Caring Economy in Venezuela. A packed house at the downstairs studio of Self Help Graphics in East Los Angeles heard guest speaker London-based Selma James, activist, author, strategist, international coordinator of the Global Women’s Strike and a regular visitor to Venezuela who focused on the role of women, autonomy in the Bolivarian process and the commitment of President Chavez not to build a political party but to empower the poor. The event premiered the film Talking of Power: Sex, Race and Class in Revolutionary Venezuela, introducing grassroots women and men involved in the day-to-day implementation of the Bolivarian process in their homes and communities. Also launched at the event was Creating a Caring Economy: Nora Castaneda and the Women’s Development Bank of Venezuela, a book which provides a unique and accessible insight into ‘el proceso’. A representative of the South Central Farm gave an update on the situation and Elysian McIntyre shared her experience of being raped in the military. The event was coordinated by the Global Women’s Strike and co-sponsored by Eastside Café, Self Help Graphics, LA Circle, and La Puente. To purchase the film (dvd or vhs) and the book (both in English and Spanish), contact 323-292-7405; la@crossroadswomen.net; www.globalwomenstrike.net.