International day of the woman turns to protest

March 11, 2002

A government-sponsored celebration in Santiago's Constitution plaza, commemorating international women's day, erupted in protest Friday when a number of Pehuenche and Mapuche women stormed the stage, seizing the microphone from National Women's Service Minister Adriana Delpiano.

The women, who represent two of Chile's indigenous communities, broke through security barriers during Delpiano's speech. They said they are opposed to the construction of the Ralco Hydroelectric project in southern Region IIX's BioBio River.

Protest over the project heated up last week when indigenous activists tried to block the delivery of one of the dam's transformers. Pehuenche activists in the region say the dam will not only flood Pehuenche property, but will also cause serious damage to the group's culture. The hydroelectric plant will lead to the destruction of tribal burial grounds and impede the natural flow of the river, which holds cultural and spiritual significant for the Pehuenche.

Other indigenous activists offered silent protest to Friday's celebration. Mapuche women bore signs that read, "Day of the Woman: The government massacres Mapuche and Pehuenche Women."

Indigenous activists weren't the only protesters at the ceremony. Representatives from the National Confederation of Municipal Health Workers (Confusam) were also present, bearing banners that said, "Lagos lied to Confusam." The Health Workers' organization has threatened to strike Monday if new demands are not met.

President Ricardo Lagos displayed frustration with the demonstrations. "I want to ask forgiveness from all Chilean women for these people who are not allowing you to celebrate your day," the president said.

Lagos said such demonstrations are not constructive. "It's not through protest like this that we constructed Chile, my friends! Chile was strengthened by acts and visions of understanding," Lagos said.

Elsewhere, Women's Day was applauded by Chileans who enjoyed discounts in stores, gifts, free health consultations and special activities. In the low-income Santiago borough of La Florida the government set up health, dental and social
attention centers in four different neighborhoods.

Some women said they enjoyed the public displays of appreciation. "It's inspiring that we celebrate this day because it allows us to be recognized for what we do every day. We are capable and competent women and many of us work both inside and outside of the home," one La Florida resident said.

Although Lagos' speech in Santiago was disrupted by protest, the president said he was committed to furthering women's rights. "We have made important progress in recent years and we will continue to improve," Lagos said.

Source: Chip News