Gendered Leadership and the Struggle for Equality in the Chilean, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan Revolutions

History 299 Revolution and Counterrevolution Exam Spring, 2021 Due May 6th at 11.00am 2. Consider the issue of gender and leadership in the Chilean, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan revolutions. How do gender relations shape the experience of male and female leaders in the revolutionary process and how has that experience impacted the struggle for gender equality in these societies? Introduction Gender played significant roles in the history of revolution and it continues to influence our pursuit in politics, social and economic development. The world of politics and the concept of leadership are connected to gender. Today, gender relations shapes the way people behave, plan, believe and interpret information about the world. The world continues to witness the drastic changes happening in politics from the influence of gendered leadership in the revolutionary process. Specially, this paper provides an understanding of the gender issues and leadership in the Chilean, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan revolutions and how the experience has impacted the struggle for gender equality in these societies. Chilean Chile is among the most socially conformist countries of Latin America. It is characterised with a society where customary gender roles and patriarchal culture have been the historical custom (Baldez, 253-272). To change the narrative of male dominance, more women began participating in politics and protests using the organisations of women’s rights by eighteenth century (Baldez, 253-272). These experiences have impacted the struggle for gender equality in Chile especially in political and economic concerns such as increased domestic violence, income disparities and gender roles issues. Gender Relations According to history, Chile women were involved in many revolutions that benefited the fight for gender equality. In 1912-1995, Maria de la Cruz became concerned with the women’s rights such as voice in politics and career in journalism, writing and political commentary (Baldez, 253-272). By 1953, she was elected as the first ever woman to be Chilean Senate. In 1940s, First Lady Rosa Markman de Gonzalez Videla addressed issues affecting women and she motivated them to participate in work force and politics via organisations (Baldez, 253-272). Chile has specific organisations such as the national Women’s Service (SERNAM) founded in 1991 by the state (Baldez, 253-272). The objective of this organisation is to prepare executive bills pertaining to the rights of wom