Living in Peru : your everyday companion

By Diana P. Olano

In Peru, women have had the right to vote for about five decades. This Andean country was second to last in Latin America--Paraguay being the final one--in allowing woman the right to cast a vote in presidential elections. Incredibly recent, yes. So much so that many of our female elders here can likely easily recollect this time in Peruvian history; when the feminist revolution, that had reached other parts of the world decades before, had finally reached their shores. However long it took, Peruvian women should be proud and grateful that the day finally came in 1955. That was the first in a number of women's rights advancements Peru has seen. The fight, however, began long before...

In early 1900's Peru, women were extremely limited in participating in politics. The highly aristocratic society made it difficult for Peruvian women to do anything other than their supposed womanly duties, such as "maintain the household". And yet, there were a few who tried to make a difference. Socialists such as María Jesús Alvarado revolutionized political-thinking in the country by introducing the idea of a universal vote, without restrictions, allowing anyone the ability. Others in this fight included Zoila Aurora Cáceres and Elvira García, who along with demanding women's suffrage, also fought for their right to education. French-born Flora Tristan, whose father was born in Arequipa, is seen as one of the founders of modern feminism thanks to the ideas she bought to Peru during this time frame. The group "Feminine Evolution" was created during this movement as well, which also sought other women's rights.

It was finally in the 1930's that these demands came to the table for discussion. In Parliament, the oligarchy groups opposed females and illiterates the right to vote, while the APRA (Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana) party lobbied for only working women to be given suffrage. The Congress of that time eventually gave women the right to vote, but only for municipal elections. This act, unfortunately didn't go in effect until 1963, years after President Manuel A. Odría gave women the right to suffrage if they were over 21 years of age and knew how to read and write or to married woman, older than 18 years of age. This was a welcoming decree from Odría, who was thought to continue his military regime for years. And while his presidency was filled with other civil rights restrictions and corruption ran rampant throughout his governing, the Peruvian economy thrived and his populist attitude won him over with the poor and lower classes. His Establishment of women's suffrage only added to part of his favorable image.

Eventually, women also made their presence in Peru's Parliament seen. In 1956, Irene Silva, Lola Blanco, Carlota Ramos, Juana Ubillús, Manuela Billinghurst, María Gotuzzo and Matilde Pérez Palacio, were all elected to Parliament's office. Since then, women of distinct parties and classes have managed to be elected in all sectors of the Peruvian government.

Peru's political history shows the incredible advancements women have made in this country. And this Saturday, March 8, is the day they can remember and celebrate those accomplishments during "International Women's Day". Occurring every March 8, the day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women around the world. Though first observed in the United States in 1909, it is now a global holiday, observed in countries such as China, Albania, Italy, Russia and Vietnam. While it is mostly associated as a day of recalling the struggles women have faced throughout civilization, with a hopeful outlook of changes to come, some countries also celebrate "International Women's Day" similar to how they would Mother's Day: Italian children give small presents or flowers to their mothers or grandmothers, for example.

In Lima, those wanting to celebrate "International Women's Day" can attend this Friday's event, "Voz y Escultura" (Voice and Sculpture). The inaugural event is a night of music, storytelling and a sculpture exhibition that pay an homage to this international holiday. Distinguished sculptors Erika Humala, Maki Corzo, Zenaida Cajahuaringa, Mónica Moreno, Carola Céspedes, among others, will present their exhibition "Manos de Mujer" (Women's Hands). Cucha del Águila and Lorena Best will present narratives, while the Folklore Universitario de San Marco will provide Criolla music for the evening. The exhibition will continue for the rest of the month.

Tomorrow March 6, Amnesty International is hosting the informative presentation, "Safe schools: the right of every girl". The presentation will inform the public on the violence projected on young girls in education centers, which harms their education process and is a violation of their human rights. Participating in "Safe schools" is Idel Vexler, Vice Minister of Educational Development; President of Amnesty International in Peru, Jorge Trefogli; and Hellen Tipián, School Mayor of Lima.

While civil rights advancements came a little later for Peruvian women than it did for the rest of the world, what must be remembered and acknowledged is that they came. And while advancements for women here and around the globe still have long ways to go before they reach equality with those of men, holidays like "International Women's Day" serve as a reminder to always remain hopeful.