Thriving Collective under Chávez: Female Leadership Shapes Commune in Venezuelan Plains
Born in the heart of rural Apure state, Nacidos para Vencer con Chávez - a women-headed commune - aspired to carry out Chávez's dream amidst struggle and hardship. Starting out in 2015, this grassroots movement united 15 communal councils and officially registered in February 2017. Today, boasting over 2500 residents, the commune empowers women, develops community-led projects, and fosters local production across nearly 14 thousand hectares.
Abrannys Mendoza, a spokeswoman for the commune, vividly recalls their journey: "Women here came together with a shared vision to shape a better future - that's how our commune was born." Working in harmony, they embarked on producing crops such as corn, beans, topocho, and sugar cane to meet daily needs and sell the surplus in the market.
Community collaboration and shared meals are essential for bonding, as Mairen Mendoza explains, "We organize collective soup feasts called sancochos to unite people. It's a symbolic practice that strengthens sisterhood among the communards, allowing us to share our struggles and dreams."
Creating a tangible impact has been crucial for the commune's growth and was first demonstrated when they joined the 2017 government-initiated "Plan de Siembra" program, sowing over 200 hectares of corn. Their efforts resulted in a bountiful harvest of 4500 kilos per hectare.
"The commune is more than just a project - it's a shared dream, a collective effort to overcome adversity," Jessica Laya, another leader, emphasizes. Despite facing challenges and economic instability, the commune has navigated these hurdles, working together to establish a communal seed bank and create an artisanal dehulling machine to lower production costs.
The blockade, however, has brought additional troubles. Strengthening their resolve, the commune has faced these challenges head-on, reverting to small subsistence plots and establishing a "Casa de Alimentacion" to support the community during food shortages.
Yet, Mairen Mendoza remains optimistic, "We continue to fight for our future. The commune is not just a historical chapter, but a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow." Together with neighboring communes, they are pushing forward, aspiring to establish a social property enterprise called "Los Soberanos," aiming to improve agricultural production and strengthen their communal market presence.
For Mendoza, this journey has been more than just building a commune - it's about redefining women's roles in society: "Back then, women were restricted to the kitchen, but the Bolivarian Revolution opened doors for us. We emerged as leaders, organizers, and shapers of our own destiny." The future may still hold challenges, but the resolve of these women remains undeterred: "Our struggle is not solely about equality - it's about shaping a more just, equitable society for all."
- Mairen Mendoza, recalling the commune's origin, says, "Women here maybe came together with a shared vision to shape a better future - that's how our commune was born."
- Amidst economic challenges, the commune has stayed ready to adapt, as demonstrated by the creation of a "Casa de Alimentacion" in response to food shortages.
- Looking forward, Mendoza expresses hope, "Our future is not just about building a commune - it's about redefining women's roles in politics, aiming to establish Los Soberanos, a social property enterprise, to improve agricultural production and strengthen our communal market presence."
