By Regina Rodriguez

The Mexican women have appealed to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) that was ratified by Mexico. They insist that the interests of women center on equality with due recognition of cultural, economic, political and social diversities.

In Paraguay, the fourth edition of a Women's Forum, was called by the Coordination for Women in Paraguay, with the participation of peasants, militant political parties, labor workers, professionals and representatives from public and non-governmental organizations.

Included among the proposed tasks are consciousness raising training for women who hold managerial positions but lack a gender perspective, and the revision of the electoral system to facilitate greater participation of women in public roles. The organized Paraguayan women offered their support to Mavi Brusquetti, candidate for vice president of the Republic under the political movement "Encuentro Nacional," marking a historical milestone in Paraguay's politics. According to her, women can provide another perspective to politics and certainly women's participation opened discussions and debates to themes that might not be addressed otherwise. Unfortunately, the political party Colorado won, amidst grave accusations of fraud.

The work realized by the Paraguayan women during the last years of Stroessner's dictatorship and in the first years of the transition has had a tremendous impact in the legislative formulation of reforms and in terms of global political measures that it is probable that their successes will be quite significant in years to come.

In Argentina, recent events have provoked surprise and at the same time reflection and polemical discussions. President Menem decreed the formation of a cabinet comprising of eight women as part of a series of political measures by the Peron government which began with the formation of the National Council of Women. Along with this measure is the signing of the law which requires political parties to carry 30 percent of women candidates in their electoral lists in areas where there are possibilities of their being elected.

In Bolivia, the women are celebrating the inauguration of the State's Women's Program. They feel that this has opened a venue for lively debates between women's organizations and government representatives. The reality of dictatorships such as Bolivia is that while women's organizations flourished, they had very limited participation at both government and State levels.

To achieve greater political participation for women, it is necessary to present more daring proposals and changes in social and political systems, not only in terms of choosing representatives but also in being able to freely express our sentiments in both private and public sectors. The latest initiatives and experiences in Latin America are very optimistic.

Source: "America Latina, Una Nueva Manera de Hacer Politica," Mujeres en Accion, 2/93, pp. 2730. his Intemacional, Santiago de Chile. Condensed version in English by Luz Martinez and Lourdes Alvarado.