Albuquerque ‘Women’s Socialism Conference’ calls for new mass movement for women’s liberation – Liberation News

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After the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade and a wave of statewide abortion bans taking effect across the United States, the Albuquerque, New Mexico branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation responded to the need to build a new mass movement for women’s rights. On July 16, the Women’s Socialism Conference brought together more than 150 people for a day of education and discussion on issues facing working-class women and LGBTQ people.

“We gathered here spurred on by collective outrage over the overthrow of Roe v. Wade,” said PSL speaker and organizer Jodi Lopez. “We have gathered today with a shared disgust for the continued and growing oppression of women in the United States, and with a shared sense of dread for the lives of those who need abortion services.”

Women’s Socialism Conference topics included “Capitalism, Immigration, and Women’s Lives,” “Murdered Indigenous Women and Missing Relatives: Root Causes and the Struggle for Justice,” and “Strikes and Unions: Working Women Leading the Way.” “.

PSL organizer and educator Karina Garcia gave a fiery and captivating speech about the efforts of the American right to seize power by increasingly undemocratic means. She called for a movement to expand democracy and secure a future with socialism.

Building a New Mass Movement

The success of the Women’s Socialism Conference with the Albuquerque community was made possible by the constant presence of the Albuquerque PSL as a leader in the cause of abortion rights. The party’s message came through loud and clear: voting blue is not enough. Women’s rights can only be won through the organization and mobilization of the working class. “This is the culmination of us on the streets. Week after week, even before Roe was knocked down, we were out, we were in the streets2 and we will continue to be in the streets,” the organizer said. Nadia Marsh.

A protest in Albuquerque after the repeal of Roe v Wade. Photograph of the Liberation.

A spirit of internationalism was emphasized at the conference. Speakers highlighted progress for women in Cuba and Venezuela, and the conference received a video message of solidarity from Venezuelan feminist Laura Franco. The speakers also expressed the need for American feminists to join the international movement for abortion access, pointing to recent abortion access successes in Argentina and Mexico.

The Ni Una Menos (or “Not One Less”) movement, which began in Argentina and spread throughout Latin America, has been touted as a highly effective example of mass action. Thanks to this movement, Latin American feminists have been able to involve large sections of society in the fight against femicide and for access to abortion. During the discussion period “Abortion Rights: Launching a New Mass Movement,” participants discussed tactics by feminists in international and historic abortion rights movements that could be used in the moment. current crucial in the United States.

The spirit of international solidarity was strong at the Albuquerque conference. Photograph of the Liberation.

Winning Socialism for Women’s Liberation

Conference organizers and participants called for a liberation that could only be made possible under socialism. They called for freeing women from poverty, giving them economic security and the freedom to be independent, educated and able to make their own reproductive choices.

In one activity, participants were asked to imagine what their lives would be like if they were guaranteed healthcare, a living wage, childcare and housing. One person replied: “The mother would not be belittled for not earning so much income when she is expected to do housework”, and another: “You don’t have to be in a relationship to have two incomes. Another participant wrote: “I painted, hiked and swam. I would learn languages. I would have all my meds and a doctor I felt safe with. I would never have to skip meals.

The event ended with a feeling of optimism. Many participants were exposed for the first time to a socialist perspective on women’s issues. The conference provided a comprehensive critique of patriarchy and capitalism, addressing imperialism, abortion access, femicide, labor struggles, and legislative attacks on LGBTQ people. The fact that Albuquerque residents responded to a conference on women’s socialism with the commitment and enthusiasm that they did is proof that people are ready to learn more about socialism and join the movement for a socialist transformation of society.

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