Our Feminist Ancestors

Last week during the Sea Change Feminist Leadership School, participants created a mural of their “feminist ancestors,” women who have influences their lives as feminists and as women who cross the line. Many people brought in pictures and stories of famous feminists in history like Josefa Toledo de Aguierri, Clara Gonzalez, Rosa Parks, Anais Nin, Rosario Lara, Alice Millat, Virginia Woolf, Simon de Beauvoir, Frida Kahlo, Julieta Kirkwood, Babe Zaharias, among others. But the most moving contributions were direct ancestors, mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers, whose examples of strength and love have inspired a generation of activist women. One grandmother was the first woman to graduate from the university with a law degree in Guatemala. Another’s quiet strength in the face of domestic violence, and yet another's rebellious defiance of the norms of patriarchal society, shaped the lives these women have led. For many, this was the first time they had recognized these women who have had such a profound effect on their lives. I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize my own ancestors, the women in my life who have taught me about social justice, compassion, strength, and activism.

My mother, my inspiration, my role model, whose example of quiet strength, calm and unassuming leadership, unconditional love of all people, and courage in the face of daunting adversity have directed me to choose the paths my life has taken.

My aunt Ann Louise Kerndt, whose name I was given, and whose story left in me, at a very young age, an understanding of the incredible injustice that exists in this world, and how it especially affects women. She gave her life in the battle to make things right, to level the playing field, to empower people to stand up for themselves in the fight for equality and justice. To these women and to all of our "ancestras," thank you.

A website version of the Mural of Ancestors can be viewed at: http://www.justassociates.org/mardecambios.

JASS' Role at the NWI's "Women Redefining Democracy" Conference

JASS was thrilled to play a significant role in conceptualizing, planning, and facilitating the Nobel Women's Initiative's international conference entitled Women Redefining Democracy for Peace, Justice and Equality that was held in Antigua, Guatemala from May 10-12, 2009. More than 100 women from around the world, including four women Laureates, gathered to examine the challenges of democratization, and to reshape democracy through the lens of women's experiences. The JASS community was represented by more than twenty women, including our allies Petateras and Feminist International Radio Endeavour (FIRE), who participated in the three day strategy meeting by speaking on panels, acting as moderators, and documenting the conference.

Addtionally, Lisa VeneKlasen, JASS Executive Director, collaborated with Alda Facio, a JASS Mesoamerica regional advisor, in authoring the concept statement of the conference. And the Declaration of the Nobel Women’s Initiative Conference on Women Redefining Democracy for Peace, Justice and Equality, was drafted by two JASS board members, Malena de Montis and Srilatha Batliwala, based on input from the participants. The declaration is available in Spanish as well.

Declaration of the Nobel Women's Initiative Conference

Declaration of the Nobel Women's Initiative Conference
on
Women Redefining Democracy for Peace, Justice and Equality
Antigua, Guatemala
May 10-12, 2009

[The declaration was drafted by JASS board members: Malena de Montis and Srilatha Batliwala with input from all participants.]

We call upon all states and multilateral institutions to recognize that the democratization process is incomplete, and does not end with elections. No country or society can claim to be democratic when the women who form half its citizens are denied their right to life, to their human rights and entitlements, and to safety and security. Despite this, we women have made extraordinary efforts to democratize the institutions of society that frame our lives and the well-being of all humanity – the family, the community, clan, tribe, ethnic or religious group, political, legal, economic, social and cultural structures, and the media and communications systems. But our search for justice is continually overwhelmed by the violence perpetrated upon us, by the exploitation and colonization of our bodies, our labor, and our lands; by militarization, war and civil conflict; by persistent and increasing poverty; and by environmental degradation. All of these forces affect us, and our children, far more severely and in unique ways. We know that democracy that comes from the heart is not the rule of the majority, but safeguards dissent and difference with equal rights, and fosters a culture of peace. We are in search of democracy that transforms not just our lives, but all society – and we will not be silenced until it is achieved in every part of the world.

JASS and Las Petateras at the Americas Social Forum

"Las Petateras," JASS's movement building allies in Mesoamerica, convened a press conference this morning to kick-off the activities planned during the Americas Social Forum, as well as to announce the declaration made by the Nobel Women's Initiative denouncing the violence, hostility and public smear campaign being conducted by Daniel Ortega's government in Nicaragua against outspoken feminist activists and leaders.

Emely Flores, from El Salvador, spoke about the similar acts of violence and impunity exercised against women's organizations in her country. Patricia Orozco, from the Autonomous Women's Movement in Nicaragua, which has received the brunt of government-led attacks and repression, spoke passionately about the strong anti-feminist behavior practiced by the Nicaraguan government, and how women will never give up the struggle for equality and justice, no matter how difficult the situation becomes. Marusia Lopez Cruz announced the declaration written by the Nobel women in solidarity with the feminists in Nicaragua. The statement declared, among other things, that "the Nicaraguan government is intimidating the people and organizations that fight for the defense of human rights. We encourage the Nicaraguan government to stop its repression against the Autonomous Women's Movement and other activists. In particular, we express our solidarity with Nicaraguan feminists who find themselves attacked unjustly for their continued defense of reproductive rights and basic freedoms ... Another world is possible. And that world includes women's full equality and freedom from violence. We urge all those who have come together in the name of justice and peace to stand firm that women's rights and equality is at the heart of our dreams, and actions, for a better world." (read the entire declaration)

Liduvina Mendez Garcia went on to present the actions and activities the Petateras are involved in during the week-long Social Forum, including several workshops and panels, and the 5th "Observatorio de la Transgresion Feminista" or "Women Crossing the Line," where, along with Radio Feminista, women's voices, actions, and denouncements will be captured and amplified for the world to listen. Our voices will be heard.

The opening ceremony of the III Americas Social Forum began with a rousing action by our sisters in El Salvador. Las Petateras and other members of the JASS delegation joined in as they took over the space, wearing white sheets and with white face paint, chanting "Nosotras parimos, nosotras decidimos," or "We give birth, we decide!" along with the crowd favorite "Sacan sus rosarios, de nuestras ovarios," or "Take your rosaries out of our ovaries!"

The JASS delegation to the forum includes activists from MesoAmerica and the United States.

Read more at www.justassociates.org www.petateras.org and www.radiofeminista.net

Thank you to FIRE for the images.