Discussing Outstanding Matters in Chavista Feminism: A Dialogue with Roraima Rivas-Liendo

In the heart of Venezuela, a feminist collective named FaldasR has been making significant strides in advocating for women's rights, particularly in the realm of reproductive health. Founded in 2011, FaldasR has been active in ALBA Movimientos since its inception.

FaldasR's primary concern is women from working-class and popular backgrounds, who are disproportionately affected by the abortion ban and the precarious living conditions brought about by the blockade-driven crisis. The precarization of life forces many women into impossible situations, compelling them to interrupt their pregnancies due to lack of resources to raise a child.

The collective distributes scientifically backed, publicly available information about pregnancy termination through various channels, including their hotline, social media, publications, and community workshops. This information is crucial for women and people capable of gestation, providing them with reliable resources about pregnancy termination.

Unfortunately, the unilateral coercive measures have triggered a profound crisis in Venezuela, impacting access to contraceptives and increasing gender-based violence, including rape, which results in unwanted pregnancies. In such circumstances, FaldasR's services are more vital than ever.

The decision to have an abortion in Venezuela is solely in the hands of medical personnel, and only if the woman's life is deemed at risk can an abortion be performed. However, the reality is different, as shown by the case of Hilaried López, who was sentenced for infanticide. This underscores the need for FaldasR's work in advocating for the decriminalization of abortion on all grounds in Venezuela.

FaldasR's reports highlight the lack of official data on abortion in Venezuela, demonstrating that criminalizing abortion does not prevent it but drives it underground. The current report published by FaldasR indicates an increase in people attempting dangerous abortion procedures due to the circulation of erroneous information. This is a concerning trend, as clandestine abortion poses serious risks to those with unwanted pregnancies and their families, many of whom are household providers supporting children, elderly relatives, or people with disabilities.

The report also shows an increase in people contacting FaldasR during the early stages of pregnancy, suggesting greater awareness of the importance of seeking help and information promptly. This shift in consciousness among women seeking information is encouraging, with many recognizing abortion as a collective right and asserting their own need for self-determination.

The approval of the Organic Law on the Right of Women to a Life Free of Violence in 2007 was a significant victory for the feminist movement in Venezuela. The law addressed a wide spectrum of forms of violence, including workplace, vicarious, and media violence. However, the fight for reproductive rights continues, and FaldasR remains at the forefront of this struggle.

In the Bolivarian Process, important feminist advances have been made, such as increased participation and leadership of indigenous women like Aymará and Quechua in cooperatives like Union ProAgro, promoting gender equality in agricultural and community development sectors. These advances, while not directly mentioned in the text, are integral to the broader feminist movement in Venezuela, strengthening bonds of solidarity and sisterhood.

FaldasR's work is framed as political rather than merely assistive, allowing for organizational ties to extend beyond the hotline, through workshops and community interventions. This approach strengthens the collective's impact, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among the women they serve.

Chávez, the former president of Venezuela, declared himself a feminist and gave recognition to the sex-gender diverse and LGBTQ community. While this recognition is important, the reality for many women in Venezuela remains challenging. FaldasR continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every woman has access to the resources and information they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Discussing Outstanding Matters in Chavista Feminism: A Dialogue with Roraima Rivas-Liendo