October 25, 2008

The Bolivarian Government has restored Venezuelan women in several aspects of the society thanks to the policies, plans and projects implemented in the country, said the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Maria León, during the commemoration the IX anniversary of the Women’s National Institute (Inamujer).

“President Chávez heads the most encouraging revolution in Venezuelan history, which is been spread all over the Americas,” the minister said during the event, held in the city of Maracaibo, Zulia sate (northwest).

“We greet the Venezuelan people, especially the people from Zulia. Today, October 25, when the IX anniversary of the Women’s National Institute is commemorated, the revolution restores Venezuelan women,” she said.

She pointed out that there are several reasons for celebrating: “The first one is for political aspects, since the National Electoral Council (CNE) approved equal participation for women running for popular election,” she said.

Another of the notable achievements of Inamujer and the organized women’s movement in Venezuela is the decision endorsed by President Hugo Chávez of designating Maria León as Minister of Women’s Affairs, last April 27th, 2008.

“Thanks to president Chávez, our demands are not institutional demands anymore but direct voices,” León expressed.

Another achievement is that “four out of the five Powers of the state are headed by women. Moreover, we have managed to get 75 percent of women’s prominence in the country and the [social] missions, and also 70 percent of participation in the Community Councils. We were able to assist especially housewives.”

“We also founded the Women’s Development Bank (Banmujer), headed by Nora Castañeda,” one of Venezuela’s most devoted fighters on behalf of women.

The endorsement of the Law on Violence against Women, which is a compulsory act in all levels of the society, was another of the achievements.

Minister León pointed out the participation of Indigenous and Afro-descendant women in Venezuelan society. “We have paved the way for women’s equality”.

León also said that these policies of social inclusion evidence the revolutionary process, headed by president Chávez, in favor of women.

Women’s Brigade for development

During the event, President Chávez pointed out that “the problem of women’s liberation is the problem of people’s liberation, the problem of women’s equality is the problem of society’s equality. Let’s get free, men and women, so we will achieve the liberation of the homeland.”

The Venezuelan leader proposed the creation of women’s socialist companies, to set in concrete socialist initiatives in Latin America.

“Women: you can do even more to set in concrete the socialist spirit, Inamujer can also do a lot; organizing women’s socialists companies, for instance,” he said.

The Venezuelan president said that the Bolivarian Government will allocate founds from the National Development Found (FONDEN), the China-Venezuela Found and the Miranda Found to create these companies.

The Women’s National Institute (Inamujer), the Women’s Development Bank (Banmujer) and other institutions will be in charge of these projects. 
 
Source: Ven Global News (MINCI)