Over 1,800 Attend First National Meeting of Communal Feminism in Venezuela

Caracas was bathed in violet this Saturday, March 29, as it welcomed over 1,800 community-based women to the historic First National Meeting of Communal Feminism at the Venezuelan School of Planning. Leaders from 21 Venezuelan states convened to reaffirm their commitment to advancing feminist struggles through a communal, Chavista, and socialist lens.

Organized by the Communal Union and supported by Venezuela’s revolutionary government, the event fostered debate, reflection, and consolidation of action plans for communal feminism. Key proposals included establishing feminist production brigades, communal care homes, comprehensive healthcare networks, and political training programs. These initiatives aim to eradicate gender violence, ensure political participation, and promote women’s well-being in grassroots communities.

Jenifer Lamus, national spokesperson for the Unión Comunera, underscored the meeting’s significance as the culmination of a grassroots organizing process that began with five regional assemblies: “We, the women of the Unión Comunera, understand feminism as a way to organize ourselves locally against a system that impacts society as a whole. This feminism is communal because it responds to the historic project of Commander Chávez and the needs of our communities.”

Manuela Sánchez, representing the 5 de Marzo Comandante Eterno Commune, emphasized women’s leadership in political and community spaces: “Historically, women have assumed spokesperson roles in Communal Councils and Communes, managing and organizing our communities. This political process has enabled us to secure fundamental rights and establish dignified conditions for fulfilling our responsibilities.”

Carmen Teresa Velásquez, from the La Parcela de Caripito Commune in Monagas state, highlighted the communal movement’s territorial strength: “We are here—the seven Communes and three Communal Circuits of our municipality—to advance the Communal Union and feminism. We urge all women in Venezuela to join these struggles for well-being and empowerment. This is about integrating and recognizing women within their territories.”

Lana Vielma of the El Maizal Socialist Commune linked communal feminism to the Bolivarian Revolution’s legacy: “Just as we address production and self-government, we can confront patriarchy. This feminism seeks to emancipate women in all aspects of their lives.”

The event also featured delegates from Brazil’s Landless Rural Workers’ Movement, who pledged solidarity in building feminist socialism in Venezuela. A children’s science workshop ran concurrently, where youth explored robotics, technology, and shared territorial experiences.

The day closed with a powerful performance by the Women’s Drum Group, their rhythms echoing the pulse of feminist resistance. Attendees celebrated with dances and embraces, embodying the strength of sisterhood.

Venezuela’s Public Ministry Has Attended to More Than 317,000 Complaints of Violence Against Women During 2017-2023

Contextual leadership data
At Thursday’s forum, “Achievements of the Revolution with a Woman’s Face,” Minister for Women and Gender Equality Jhoanna Carrillo highlighted female leadership in communal spaces:

• 70% of leadership roles in Communal Councils and Communes are held by women.
• Women represent 43% of all the Communal Peace Judges.
• 52% of PSUV’s candidates nominated for the May 25 regional and legislative elections are women.

The First National Meeting of Communal Feminism marked a milestone in Venezuela’s feminist history, solidifying a movement dedicated to transforming social relations and building an equitable future. Rooted in the Bolivarian Revolution, this national effort—led overwhelmingly by women—stands at the forefront of continental social movements.