Venezuelan women demand inclusion in nation’s transition
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In Caracas, Venezuela, women leaders from various organizations met to discuss how to translate years of community work into real decision-making power during the country’s political transition.
The forum, titled “Women Building the Transition: No Democracy Without Women,” brought together activists, researchers, journalists, and human rights defenders to share experiences and proposals for rebuilding Venezuelan society.
Plataforma Encuentros, a network of 359 activists and community leaders, including those from border and Indigenous communities, has been replicating successful strategies across nine states. These women are prepared to actively participate in shaping Venezuela’s future and demand a leading role in the transition process. Similarly, the organization Raíces trained 167 women in community leadership in Aragua and Bolívar, helping them overcome fear of reprisal and recognize themselves as agents of change. Journalists are also contributing to this effort.
The Network of Women Peace Builders, which began with 12 members, now includes 28 journalists in 17 states who use “human journalism” and field work to document the historical memory and realities of Venezuelan women, countering censorship and a lack of official information. The Red de Periodistas Venezolanas (Venezuelan Network of Journalists) currently has 260 members both inside and outside of the country, emphasizing the importance of memory and information as tools of power for women making daily decisions.
Several groups stressed the need for economic independence for women, the depoliticization of issues, and the inclusion of young women’s voices in decision-making spaces. Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón (Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness) emphasized that reconciliation requires acknowledging harm and building trust within communities, while Fe y Alegría highlighted the importance of education and family in fostering peaceful coexistence. Ultimately, leaders asserted that a sustainable and democratic transition in Venezuela cannot happen without the full participation of women.
