YOLANDA CASTRO Ms. Castro is a representative of a women's cooperative from Chiapas. The nearly 100 women artisans she works with formed this cooperative in 1984. She began her commentary by asking forgiveness for speaking on behalf of these women, who are often the subject of discussions to which they have not been asked to contribute. Currently indigenous women are not included in the feminist movement because indigenous issues are not in fashion. She elucidated her point with an example of a conference sponsored by indigenous women in Chiapas to which feminists were invited but did not attend. Brought into perspective the daily issues of indigenous women, such as potable water, electricity, and basic health care. Talked about the history of women's grassroots mobilization in Chiapas. In the past, the town of San Cristóbal de las Casas was a trading post and political space for men. Since 1984, the women in the cooperative have traveled to San Cristóbal to learn Spanish and to negotiate their issues with other women. The events of January 1, 1994, with the insurgence of the EZLN, have since restricted their mobility. Many families cannot travel to San Cristóbal unless they have a white flag (peace flag), in front of their home showing compliance with the government.
CECILIA LORIA, GEM Began by responding to Yolanda Castro's commentary on indigenous women. Argued that political participation needs to be redefined in order to include the kind of activities of the cooperative in Chiapas. Feminists were strong during the beginning of this sexenio, creating a greater space for discourse. Feminists are changing the politics of Mexico, but that feminist ideas were difficult to integrate at all levels. Loría spoke of the feminist discourse in Mexico. The new discourse is not radical and is inclusive of mothers and women who love their husbands. Her outlook on the future of the feminist movement is filled with possibilities to invite all women of all classes and ethnic backgrounds to be active participants in the political system.
GABRIELA ROCHA de BRIBIESCA She stated that she did not represent any particular organization, only herself, and has a great commitment to social organizations. Women not only show concern for their families but also have a passion to participate in society. She was herself the first lady of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, at age 19, and she learned a lot more in this position than she was able to give in return; for example, that as a Mexican and as a person she had to do more for her community. Now reflects on this time and notes the improvements that were made possible during her husband's tenure as Mayor. Spoke about her participation in a study comparing the educational systems of Japan, Mexico and the United States and how much it broadened her perspective. Concluded by saying that all women in Mexico are thinking of the future of their country.
PATRICIA RUIZ ANCHONDO Began by disagreeing with Joe Foweraker's argument that feminism had little influence on women's mobilization in Mexico. Feminism had given a collective perspective to women. It was her opinion that women, thanks to feminism, now fight for their rights as human beings. The current events in Mexico, in particular the economic crisis, had been referred to by other panelists as a democratic transition. She was not sure if this was so, but is convinced that something is happening and that the people who had been marginalized in the past are now at the forefront of the transitional process. Advancements could only be achieved if the country developed a collective conscience. Used Chiapas as an example of a place where the mobilization for change was very urgent. But urgency is not a sufficient condition for change. Instead of being brought to the discussion table, the indigenous people of Chiapas have been marginalized. She closed by stating that women want to change the political structure, and that the political culture is in dire need of reform.
GLORIA SANCHEZ, PRD Rather than commenting on the panel presentations, Ms. Sánchez reflected upon her own experience as a teacher as head of a teacher's union in Veracruz. For many years the leadership of the union was all male. In 1984, the organization was beginning to fall apart, and it was at this time that Ms. Sanchez was able to assume leadership of the union. It was her opinion that women benefit politically in times of crisis. Having won 36 strikes, she had achieved good wages for teachers and played a part in reducing corruption among the leaders of the union. She had fought for democracy for the union and achieved it. Continues to support labor unions and academics. Due to her democrataization accomplishments, a mechanism has been established for women to participate in the leadership of the union.
ADRIANA LUNA PARRA, PRD Began by stating that her topic would not only be the impact of politics on women, but also the impact of women on politics. The fundamental issues, she said, are those surrounding Chiapas and the economy in Mexico. The movement in Chiapas has been an important forum for the participation of women. Women are not only soldiers in the fight of the EZLN, but are also decision-makers within the movement. Commented odn the circumstances of women involved in the EZLN, who have the ability to be doctors, lawyers, and professors, and who are instead grabbing guns in defense of human rights. The struggle of these women was a "real feminism" and indicated that the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was a symbol of feminism for them. Dip. Luna also discussed the multi-faceted impact of violence on the women of Chiapas, ranging from the physical violence of rape to the subtle economic injustice of stealing food. She closed by stating that Chiapas has moved the conscience of many indigenous women, and that they in return have brought together academics and other women who had never thought of these women with their hearts.