Q: Do these myths of the “brave” macho still reign supreme on the left?
A: No, things have changed a lot from all of the repression. In thirteen years of resistance, people have learned a lot. Even proletarian couples (gente del pueblo) active in the resistance often divide domestic duties between them, so both can go to meetings and do community work. Men in the resistance today are more aware of the need to integrate women into the movement, and they understand that deep change in the system will never occur without women’s active participation. This popular organizing at the grass roots level also includes educating women in the history of patriarchy, communism and socialism. Women are being educated about their own autonomy in the context of the class struggle. Because as women, we must assert our rights against Pinochet’s dictatorship and against the authoritarian attitudes of our husbands at home! So, the motto of the broad based feminist coalition in Chile today is “We demand democracy in our country and in our homes now!”
