Mexican Zapatista movement on women’s rights: Comandanta Ramona

Posted by: adonis49 on: March 11, 2013

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Zapatistas on women’s rights: Comandanta Ramona

Comandanta Ramona was an officer of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), an indigenous rights movement in Mexico.

“Ramona was said to be the most belligerent, aggressive and intransigent of all the Zapatistas. It was Comandante Ramona on horseback who led the military charge on San Cristobal during the EZLN’s uprising in January 1994.”

The sight of this brave and frail woman defiantly shouting ‘Ya Basta!’ (Enough is Enough!) catapulted her onto the world state.

The media dubbed her “The Petite Warrior” and the Mexican government grew so fearful of her emblematic power that in 1997 they cynically spread false information that she had died.”

After consulting with indigenous communities on the status of women, the EZLN came up with the “Revolutionary Women’s Law,” in commemoration of  the international women’s day. The Zapatistas on women’s rights  states:

First, Women, regardless of their race, creed, color or political affiliation, have the right to participate in the revolutionary struggle in any way that their desire and capacity determine.
Second, Women have the right to work and receive a just salary.
Third, Women have the right to decide the number of children they have and care for.
Fourth, Women have the right to participate in the matters of the community and have charge if they are free and democratically elected.
Fifth, Women and their children have the right to Primary Attention in their health and nutrition.
Sixth, Women have the right to education.
Seventh, Women have the right to choose their partner and are not obliged to enter into marriage.
Eighth, Women have the right to be free of violence from both relatives and strangers. Rape and attempted rape will be severely punished.
Ninth, Women will be able to occupy positions of leadership in the organization and hold military ranks in the revolutionary armed forces.
Tenth, Women will have all the rights and obligations which the revolutionary laws and regulations give.

Note: Posted by Andrew Bossone on FB

Tags: adonis49, Andrew Bossone, ‘Ya Basta!’ (Enough is Enough!), Comandanta Ramona, Revolutionary Women’s Law, San Cristobal, The Petite Warrior, Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN)