A SUMMARY OF THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATIO OF

THE FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS OF PARAGUAYAN WOMEN

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY

JULY 19 THIROUGH JULY 26, 1975

by

June H. Turner

Consultant

August 20, 1975

This paper was prepared for the U.S. Agency for International Development,Washington, D.C. and the USAID Mission in Asuncion, Paragoay. The author was lent as an adviser to the Paraguayan Latgue for Women's Rights (LigaParaguaya de los Derechos de la Muer) under a technical assistance contract between A.I.D. and

The Overs-as Education Fund of the League of Women Voters (OEF) 1730 M Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20036

The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and not necessarilythe views or policies of the Overseas Education Fund of the League of Women Voter.

CONTENTS

PageINTRODUCTION .....................................

1 The Agency for International Development and the OEF

Purpose of this Report

Scope of this Report

BACKGROUND ..................... 2

Analysis of the Problem

Rationale for Support

The Lign Paraguaya de los Derechos de la Mujer

Support and Collaboration

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONGRESS ............................ 4

STRUCTURE ............................................... 14

Organization

Organizing Commission Organization Chart

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ................................ 6

Eligibility

Accomodations

Site of the Congress

Inauguration of the Congress

Theme of the Congress

Research Papers on the Theme as a Basis for Discussion

Presiding Authority of the Congress

INAUGURAL SESSION ........................ ......... 10

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PROGRAM PLAN ........................... ............... 10

Plenary Sessions

"Work Groups"

Conclusions and Recommendations of the Work Groups

Luncheon, Rest and Films

Afternoon Plenary Sessions

Final Recommendations and the Research and Reproduction of Documents Committee

FINAL CONCLUSIONS OF THE CONGRESS ...................... 13

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ................................ 14

SPECIAL P.COMMENDATIONS ................ ....... . 15

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS ................. .. ......... 16

THE CONGRESS .....................................

Attendance

16

Media Coverage

Criticisms of the Contress

Political/Sociological Sources of Critical Comments

Omission of Divorce as An Issue

for Discussion

Time Allotted to Work Groups

THE LIGA PARAGUAYA AND

THE ORGANIZING COMMISSION ..................... 20

Volunteer Staff

Conservative versus Progressive Elements

Press Committee

Research and Reproduction of Documents Committee

Teamwork

APPENDIX ............... .................. .... . i

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APPENDIX I

FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS OF PARAGUAYAN W014EN

Sponsored by

THE PARAGUAYAN LEAGUE FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS

THE ORGANIZING COMISSION

President NELIDA BARRIOS SAMANIEGO, Lie.

General Coordinator MARTINA CARDENAS, Ph.D.

Assistent Coordinators GLADYS SOLANO LOPEZ, Ph.D. VITALINA FAEZ, Prof.

Executive Secretaries IUILLERMINA REAL STELLA MARYS MANGABEIRA C., Lie.

Secretariat for LINDA MERELES VARGAS, Ph.D., ChairmanAd inistration and BLANCA SANhGRIA de ADLE, Lic.Finance JULIA BIBOLINI de SAPENA P. PERLA M. de CHAVEZ BAREIRO NERY LOVERA de PEREZ RAMIREZ NIDIA CARDOZO de ROJAS ANGELA de GARCIA

Secretariat forPress Relations MARGARITA S. de MENDARO, Ph.D., Chairman

NIDIA SANABRIA de ROMERO, Prof. LUCIA OJEDA AQUINO, Lic. ISABEL LOVERA de VIDAL, Lie. MARIA NILDA QUINTANA, Lic. GILDA CARISIMO, Prof. BLANCA de LEON CASTRO ETELVINA de CARDOZO

Secretariat for MARINA ELINA OLMEDO de EREIuA, Ph.D. ,ChairrResearch and Reproduction LINA YEGROS de VELAZ<UEZ, Lic.of Documents WILFRIDA DUARTE de C0hTZALEZ, Lie. ISABEL JT'ANCO de AGUAYO, Social WorkerMARGARIA PRIETO de B LBU31A, Lie.

Secreta iit for LEIDA M. de ACUA DIAZ, Lic., Chairman Invitation MARIA ALICIA GADEA, Lic.andRegistrtion ARMINDA PARODI de MORENO

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Secretariat for Rec-.pticn and Hospitality

CAROLINA LOPEZ A., Social Worker and other volunteers

Advisors JUAN ANDRES SILVA, Lic.

GERARDO FOLGEL' Ph.D. ANA MARIA MORINIGO, Social Worker IDA FLEITAS de HERMOSA, Ph.D. MERCEDES SANDOVAL de HEMPELL, Ph.D.

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A SUMMARY OF THE PLANNING AND I12LEMENTATION OF

THE FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS OF PARAGUAYAN WOMEN

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY

JULY 19 THROUGH JULY 26, 1975 ThNTPoDTCTION

The Agency for In January 19'5, the U.S. Agency for International International Development (AID/Washington) received a reuuest from th. Development Liga Paraguaya de los Derechos de la Mujer*channeled.and the OEF thrbugh,USAIDPo,'Taguay:for a small amount of financial

aid and the teciical assistance for 6 to 8 weeks of an advisor to guide its Organizing 'Commission in planningthe First Nationol Congress of Paraguayan Women, to be held in July 1975. The request for technical assistance was channeled to the Overseas Education Fund of the Leagueof Women Voters (OEF) whose experienced staff and skilled volunteers have collaborated with women from every Spanish­speaking country of the Western Hemisphere to developleadership, initiative, and greater participation of their counterparts at all levels of society in the decisions that affect their lives.

At the request of AID/Washington, OEF sent me to Asunci6n from March 1-24 to advise the Organizing Cnmmission of the Liga Paraguaya in the initial planning of the Congress.I returned to Asunci6n from July 5 to August 14 to assist in the final programming, to attend the Congress, and to counsel the Liga Paraguaya so that they might gain maximum benefits from the Congress after its termination.

Purpose of --To summarize the concepts, structure, events, proceedings, this Repot conclusions and recommendations of the First NationalCongress of Paraguayan Women;

--To provide documentation on the Congress to the fund­ing agencies; and

--To record and disseminate information gained in the learning experience about the formation of a first national congress of women in a developing country as a model for future reference.

Scope of this This paper is not to be considered as a detailed Report documentary report, but rather as a summary of theplanning of the Congress, and its implementation. The

report will also include personal observations of the author.

The Liga Paraguaya de los Derechos de la Muer will be referred to throughout the paper as the Liga Para~aya or simply as the

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It should be emphasized that this Congress was a national effort emanating from a felt needs of Paraguayan women. Theapplication of learning and information gained from the event may, but will not necessarily apply to women of other Latin American or developing countries.

BACKGROUMD Roughly 100 years ago in the War of the Triple Alliance,

lysis of Paraguay lost 2/3 of the country's 600,000 population. Atthe war's end, only 29,000 males were alive, i.e. 20% of thethe Problem .total. This loss was further aggravated by the Chaco War.During the succeeding years, the female became so absorbed in the perpetuation and worship of the male and with competingfor his favor, that she literally became his slave. Althoughthe ratio of male to female is now nearly equal (51% female: 49% male), strong role stereotypes have resulted. Womendisplay fear ,f masculinization in any form, tend to relinquishtheir part in decision-making in deference to the male, lack self-confidence, and are often their own worst enemies byperpetuating existing prejudices. That is to say, they willing­ly play the role of inadequate, inferior beings. The self­abnegation of the female in the process of deifying the male has come close to paralyzing half of the human resources of Paraguay. Women's primary role in the economic and social structure is that of the passive receiver, thus reinforcing the paternalistic structure of the society.

By utilizing themselves as channels for new ideas to their Rationale for families and communities, Paraguayan women can graduelly changeSupport traditional beliefs, attitudes and mores which have rendered

them pawn, in the progress of their country. Because the psychological responses of an individual are established in childhood from birth to age 5 or 6 during the relationshipbetween the child and mother (or mother figure), the female sector has the unique opportunity to affect the thought patternsof every citizen. The Liga Paraguaya de los Derechos de la I r (the Paraguayan League for Women's Rights) has taken thefirst step to initiate change of the traditional patterns byconceiving of a national congress to discuss improving the role of women in the social and economic stri'.ture. This congress can have a broad impact on the total population.

The Liga Paraguaya The Liga Paraguayado los Drechos de la Mujer is a private,de los Derechos apolitical, noo,-d uoinrtional, non-profit, voluntary organiza­

de la Mujer tion legally established in August 1952 by a group of women headed by Srta. Isabel Arria Vallejo.1 Although initially

1Currently President of the Interamerican Commission of Women (CIM) sponsored by andaffiliated with the Organization of American States with headquarters in Washington,D.C. Although Srta. Arr'a is now an horor. -y nmjimb-r t '--lip Liga Paraguaya, the iga has no legal ties to CIM.

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SuDpport and Oollnbor-tioi-

founded on a platform of women's rights, the Liga Paraguoyadoes not consider itself to be "feminist." Rather, isit dedicated to "integration" of the population in the sense of women working side by side with men--in the family, in civicand community life, in manual labor as well as business andprofessional occupations, and in education and preparation forlife--with the same objectives and the sharing of both responsi­bility and authority for decisions and their implementation.

The Liga Paraguaya presently comprises about 85 to 1.00 women andaffiliated members from the middle and lower middle income group;While the majority are resident in Asuncion, the capital, about1/4 the membership comes from affiliated organizations in Presi­dente Stroessner, Encarnaci6n, Concepcion, Caazap, Villarrica,Caacup , Coronel Oviedo, Villa Hayes, and Pedro Juan Caballero.

Sra. Julia Macchi de Gonzalez2 currently President of theorganization, was elected to office in 1974, for a period of 2 years. Under the leadership of Sra. de Gonzalez, the LigaParagugya began searching for tools and methods with which itmight change the traditional role of the Paraguayan woman to one of positive contribution. This concept focuses principally on utilizing a large portion of the country's human resources which are presently lying dormant.

The Congress was conceived as a response to International Women's Year as decreed by the United Nations, but mora thanthat, it was a conscious effort to harness the human potentialof Paraguay's women into a force that will improve the economic structure instead of being victimized by it.

In addition tc. USAID/Paraguay and the OEF, the Liga Paraguayareceived support and collaboration for the Congress from:

--Paraguayan Ministry of Justice and Labor --Organizing Commission of the First World Congress of Women --National Council of Social Progress --Institute of Higher Education (ISE)Andres Barbero Institute of Social Service, National Universit:

--Association of Paraguayan Social Workers --Paraguayan Government Social Security Institute --Faculty of Philosophy, National UniversityFaculty of Philosophy and Educational Science, Catholic University

--Saturio Rios Regional Center of Education

2Sra. de Gonzalez is the wife of the Minister of Justice and Labor affiliated withthe ruling Colorado Party under the President of the Republic, Gen. Alfredo Stroessn,Although the Li~a Paraguaya has received strong suppor4 from the Ministry, it has nolegal connection to the government of Paraguay nor to the Ministry of Justice and Labor.

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--Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of Paraguay --United States Embassy --Japanese Embassy --Argentinian Embassy --U.S. Information Service --United Nations --United Nations Development Program --UNICEF --National Professional Promotion Service Center for Research on Prostitution

--Paraguayan Association of Women AttorneysInstitute of Integrated and Harmonious Develorment (IDIA)

--Paraguayan Center for Population Studies --Christian Youth Association Feminine Institute for Historical Research

--Project Marand6 Bureau of the Census, Municipality of Asuncion

--U.S. Peace Corps

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONGRESS --To establish new lirkages between groups, to exchange

experiences and knowledge concerning the problems of women,and to disseminate this information;

To identify the cultural patterns that determine present valuesthat influence woman's role in society at the economic, social, political and cultural levels;

To discover how the Paraguayan woman sees herself, heraspirations, and how she can be integrated into the develop­ment process;

To establish ways and means of reciprocal cooperation betweenorganizations and institutions interested in the promotion of women;

--To change attitudes and form new concepts of the human coupleand to propose specific ways by which the male and female as a pair can share integration into national development.

STRUCTURE

Organization The Congress, while the brainchild of the Liga Paraguaya, was organized and implemented by the Organi'ng-Corissjon. The Commission was headed by Lic. Srta. Nelida Barrios S., aprofessional in the field of social service, who for 17 yearswas a professor and the Vice Director of the Andres Barbero Institute (National School of Social Service, National University). As the President of the Organizing Commission,she was responsible only to the President of the Liga Para­-guay, and through her to the Liga's Board of Directors. The President of the Commission received a small salary from theLiga Paraguaya for 9 months (planning period to the end of

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July, i.e. one week after the end of the Congress). She was assisted by 2 additional professional social workers on ahalf-time basis who were lent by the Ministry of Justice andLabor; and a part-time paid secretary. The remainder of the planning, organizing and implementation was carried out byvolunteers of the Liga (at times assisted by their families).functioning in the following committees (sometimes called"secretariats"):

--Administrative and Finance --Secretarial and Support Services --Research and Reproduction of Documents --Press Relations --Rules --Reception and Hospitality --Invitations and Registration

OrganizingCozm ms:sjbn- - ­ - - - - - *

Organization Paraguayan Leaguc for Women's Rights_ Chart

President of the League Technical

ers .'ivsIPrsident of the" Organi in . Comrsn i6 n]

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Administration I Secretarial ' and Finance 11s Committee

I ! '

'1 '~ SurportI t t , Services

L ._.._

[Pressr I ue ~e n -" .. ""--- -- ' S Research an eption a InvitationIRelationsJ . Rules Reproductio a and

Hospitality, jReg'.stratioj ...... .7/

Lines of Authority

> Lines of Communication

PANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Eligibility

Accomircodations

81-e of the

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Each secretariat/committee was staffed by 4 to 6 Ligavolunteers who were appointed by the President of the LigaParaguaya. The chairman of each committee/secretariat wasresponsible to the President of the Organizing Commission whofunctioned as a communication link to the Liga Paraguaya.

In cognizance of the needs and potential of Paraguayan rural women who comprise 60% of the female population, the Commissiondetermined to make special effort to contact and include the"campesina" in the composition of the Congress. It was alsoagreed that the Congress would indeed attempt to be a nationalevent and would avoid any initiative or appearance of effort tolimit the attendance. Rather, the Commission decided to inviteall interested organizations, institutions and individuals(including men) as was feasible to accnmm5date. Ultimately,reality determined that the maximum desirable attendance was450 to 500 persons.

Approximately 60 to 70 national organizations whose primaryfocus is on women, regardless of political or religious affilia­tion, were invited to send up to 5 delegates and 5 observers.Special invitations were sent to international agencies, as wellas national and international specialists and advisors. It wasdetermined that only official delegates of invited organizationswould be permitted to vote.

Each participating rural organization was responaible for providingtransportation to Asunci6n for its official delegates and observers.and each delegate and observer was required to pay a smalliregistration fee (US$T.O0) to cover the costs of documentation.

The Liga Paraguaya provided room and board for officialdelegates attending the Congress from the rural areas, as wellas daily transportation to and from the Congress. This was madepossible as a result of the donation by the government of thefacilities available at the Military Training Institute forCadets (food and lodging).

After a survey of avlnablce facilities in Asuncion, it wav ~~ ~ IAte i oa-, -i-~-.~ F ofnirrn-date the

Cong-ess was the riewly unst'.-'01-1- hi +,o;,:f,, ,. w,''....­2,,+,j1-).+.t ,heedge of town. Desirability was based on:

--A circular auditorium capable of seating 450 persons (withardja.ent toilet facilities);

-- An operating cafeteria and snack-bar providing low-costfood and indoor seating capacity for 100 persons (withadditional space outofloors for an unlimited number of people);

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-- Proximity to local public transportation;

-- ;roximity to the government Military Training Institute,where the rural delegates were to be housed;

Sufficient classrooms (with adjacent toilet facilities)toacconodate 300 persons in discussion groups of 20-25 persons each;

--A film projection room with seating capacity of 125;

Additional classrooms with telephones that could beconverted into work rooms for the Press, the Secretarialeommittee, and for the Reproduction of Documents;

--Parking space.

The facilities of the Institute (ISE) were made available free of charge.

Inauguration ofthe Congress Because the Congress would have to be limited to approximately450 persons for lack of available space, it was determined thatthe Inauguration should, if possible, be open to the public.Moreover, the Organizing Commission felt it was important toinvite those organizations (both national and international)that were donating services and contributing assistance to theCongress, but who would not be eligible to participate. Inaddition, because of the support that was being given by thevarious national government agencies, it was appropriate toinvite the President of the Republic, as well as the heads ofthose agencies; and for reasons of protocol and public relations,foreign ambassadors were also to be invited. Probable attendanceat the Inaugural Session dictated need for an auditorium thatwould seat 1500 persons.

The only appropriate centrally located facility offering seatingcapacity for 1500 was the Teatro Guaranf (Guaranf Theatre),located in the Hotel Guaranf in downtown Asunci6n. Because thetheatre was unused during the moining hours, the Liga was able toattain the facilities free of charge before 12:00 noon.

Theme of theCongress The Organizing Commission determined that the Congress shouldanalyze and attempt to deal with the problems confronting theParaguayan woman by considering:

(1) The past - History and traditional values as representedby both tuaranl and Colonial Paraguayan culture;

(2) The present -The actual contribution, participation androle of woman in corrtemporary society; and

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(3) The future - Maximum use of woman's innate capabilityto respond to and assist the economic and social develop­inent needs of the country.

Research Papers on The Commission approached 18 to 20 organizations and individualsthe Theme as a known to be professionally interested or involved in promotingBasis for Discussion and improving the status of the Paraguayan woman to cooperate indeveloping the theme of the Congress. They were requested tosubmit research papers on a selected aspect of the theme fordiscussion by the Congress, in the following areas:

-- Family life --Economic development --Civic and political affairs --Cultural dynamicsOther social aspects such as religion, education, welfare,and promotion of groups (unicns and cooperatives)

During the 3 to 6 weeks preceeding the Congress, the Commissionreceived the following papers 3 some of which were written indirect response to the request, and others that were extractsfrom on-going or recently completed research:

C irdenas Aguero, Martina; Frutos, Gladys; and ,Pefia de Grtxz,Mirian: The Legal Situation of the Woman in Paraguay.Paraguayan Association of Women Attorneys.

--Carissimo, Gilda B. Benefits and Perspectives of Civic andPolitical Participation of the Paraguayan Woman.

--Castagnino, Darfo; and Cardozo, Juan Andr6s. The Social andFamily Frmeworkof the Woman in Paraguay. Paraguayan Center for Population Studies.

--Enciso, Ines. Benefits and Perspectives of Civic andPolitical Participation of the Paraguayan Woman.

--Fogel, Gerardo. The Woma. ind National Development:Demographic, Socialand Cultural Aspects. National Office of Social Progress.

G6mez, Felicia Marecos de; and Pane, Gioconda de. Programfor the Human Development of Unwed Mothers. Christian Youth Association.

--Gonzalez, Wilfreda D. de. The Educational Revolution and the Paraguayan Woman.

--Hempell, Mercedes Sandoval de. Tho t. nd .. ..deas'CoflcefliRELaw 236154. Paraguayan Assoniation of Women Attorneys.

Hermosa, Ida Fleitas de. Woman's Political Rights.All titles of papers and organizations translated frora original Spanish to-,r 'ih hu H.T11n Turner.

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Institute of Integrated and Harmonious Development (IDIA). The Paraguayan Woman and National Development.

Irala Burgos, Jeronimo. The Legal Status of the Woman inParaguay: "Historical Evolution of the Status of the WomanWithin the Framework of the Paraguayan Nation." ParaguayanCenter for Population Studies.

--Mangabeira Cazal, M. Osalba. Evolution of Woman's Place inParaguayan Society.

--Meyer, Enrique. Problems Related to Female Prostitution.Center for Research on Prostitution.

--Municipality of Asuncion. Results of the Socio-economicResearch Study of Municipal Market No. 4 - 1973-1974. Bureau of the Census.

Paraguayan Center of Sociological Studies. The Woman inParaguay: Selected Socio-economic and Cultural Aspects.

--PL, Josefina. The Woman in the Development of ParaguayanCulture.

--Rehnfeldt, Marilyn. The Function of the Indigenous Woman ofthe Central Chaco Region. Project Marandd.

--Romero, Esmelda; with Gomez, Felicia M. de. An Experience inHuman Development Related to Domestic Employees. ChristianYouth Assotiation.

--Schoux, Cristina Hussey. Function and Role of the Campesinain Paraguay. U.S. Agency for International Development.

Silva, Juan Andrs; Acufia Daz, Leida Massare de; Rodrguez,Ireneo T., and L6pez G., Antonio. Participation of theWoman in the Work Force. Department of Human Resources,Ministri' Justice and Labor.

Velilla Talavera, Maria Margarita. Woman in the Socio-eonomilLife of the Country. Feminine Institute for Historical Research.

Zarza, Idalia Floies G.; and Velilla Talavera, Maria MargaritaFunction and Roles of the ParaguayanWoman in the History of Paraguay.

Each of these documents was mimeographed in 450 copies before thopening of the Congress and distributed at the Orientation Ses­sion to the official delegates and observers. A set of thesedocuments was also provided to each cooperating and sponsoringagency.

Presiding Authority of the Congress

Inaugural Session

PROGRAM PLAN

Plenary sensions

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Authors of the foregoing documents were selected to presenttheir papers and to lead discussions in their areas of expertisein "pln'arv , sessions at the Congress in conformity with the five aspects of woman's role to be developed by the overall theme.

In an effort to be non-partisan, the Liga Paraguaya elected an authority to preside over the Congress:

President: Dr. Maria Elina Olmedo de Pereira Dean, School of Philosophy and Education National University

Dr. Pereira is viewed as a recognized authority, known for her ability as well as her fairness, non-partisan views, and interest in women's affairs. Although affiliatpf with the Liga Paraguaya,she i,, not a member of its Board of' Directors ,ind is better known for her activities in academic affairs. She is respected by all age groups.

The first two days of the Congress were devoted to Registrationand 3rientation of official delegates and observers (Saturday and Sunday). The Congress was officially opened at the publicinauguration, Monday, July 21, held at the Guarani Theatre. The Inaugural Session was attended by the President of the Republic of Paraguay and his Cabinet of Ministers. The Theatre was filled to capacity (1500). Addresses were presented by:

Sra. Julia Macchi de Gonzalez, President of the LigaParaguaya de los Derechos de la Mujer;

Dr. Marla Elina Olmedo de Pereira, President of the First National Congress of Paraguayan Women; and

Dr. Elma de Romero, Minister of Social Welfare, Province of Corrientes, Republic of Argentina.

The Congress was programmed to convene in plenarium at 8:00 a.m. eath day (Tuesday through Saturday).

. The morning P).enury Session followed the theme of the day and presented one or more speakers to stimulate discussion of the topic after which a lively period of questions and nnswered ensued.

T,-- substance of the Congress revolved uround the research papers and the various viewpoints they presented. These were examined in detail during the six days of Plenary Sessions as follows:

I. Family Life - The President of the Congress, Dr. Pereira, opened the >3n,ry Sessions with a discussion of the "Role of the Woman in Fziini ly Life. '

II. 2conomic Development -The second llenarium discussion was presented by Lic. Juan Andres Silva, Director, Dept. of Human Resources, Ministry of Justiceand Labor; and principal author of a recent study of the human resources of Paraguay. Subject of the discussion was the "Participation of Women in Economic Development."

III. Civic and Political Affairs - This thpme was considered and discussed by a panel led by Dr. Mercedes Sandoval de Hempell who spoke on the theme "An Examination of Law236/541." The "Participation of Woman in Civic and Political Affairs" was further considered by the janelwhich included Dr. Ines Enciso, Prof. Gilda Carlsimo, Dr. Ida Fleitas de Hermosa and Dr. Hempell.

IV. Cultural Dynamics - "Woman in the Cultural Dynamic of Paraguay" was the subject of a panel discussion led byProf. Josefina Pl6. Other members of the panel were Prof. Wilfreda de Gonzalez, Lic. Margarita Prieto de Baibuena and Dr. Martina Cardenas. Dr. Pl6 is a well­known anthropologist; Dr. Cardenas is the Director of the Institute of Higher Education (ISE), and an attorney.

V. Other Social Aspects -Dr. Gerardo Fogel, Director of theDepartment of Research, National Office of Social Prugros:presented the theme whic-h was covered by his paper on the "demographic, social and cultural aspects of woman in the national development of Paraguay."

"Work Groups" Following each Plenary Session, the Congress broke up into "work groups" to further discuss the subject of the day. The "workgroups" comprised official de]ega,nrc niA inrlrled observers only if there was room. They varied in size frum 1u t PC persons and met in individual classrooms. It was intended thut each group function in a democratic manner utilizing the tech­niques of group dynamics to permit both the '-rcssivc 'rnd thetimid to participate and express their views. Each group elected:

1) A Representative to speak for them and present their conclusions and recommendations to the Congress;

2) A Secretary to record their opinions, conclusions and recommendations; and

3) A Moderator who would stimulate and guide the group discussions.

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Conclusions and Recommendations

of the Work Groups

Luncheon, Rest and Films

Afternoon Plenary Sessions

Final Recommenda-tions and theR e-search and _ production of Documents Committee

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At the end of each day, the "work groups" were responsibleto present summaries of their conclusions and recommendationsin written form to the Research and 'nroduction of DocumrentsCommittee and to the afternoon Plenary Session of the Congress.

In accord with Paraguayan custom, luncheon and a rest pcriodrequired 3 hours each day, from tioon until 3:00 P.M. Those persons who wished could eat in the ISE Cafeteria for anominal sum, or weather permitting could bring lunch and eaton the lawn or cafeteria terrace. Transportation was providedfor those rural women housed at the Military Training Center to return for -lunchserved at the Center. Liga Paraguayavolunteers and other persons residing in As"uncin co return home if they wished. Most elected to eat at ISE totake advantage of the films which were shown daily duringthe rest period;

--Doble Jornada (Double Work Day) - Provided by the OverseasEducation Fund of the League of Women Voters, Washington, D.C.

Agricultores del Paraguay.(Farmers of Paraguay) - Provided bythe Mennonite Committee of Paraguay.

La Mujer Japonesa (The Japanise Woman) - Provided by the Japanese Embassy.

All films were 'n Spanish. Their purpose was to provide anopportunity for the delegates and observers of the Congressto broaden their outlook beyond the boundaries of Paraguay,as well as to give them a basis for comparison.

At 3:00 P.M. each day, the Congress reconvened. On occasion,additional speakers were presented who, because of previouscommitments, were unable to attend the morning sessions.Such was the case with Ms. Margaret Anstee, Deputy Director,United Nations Development Program, Latin American Region,who had been especially invited as a keynote speaker becauseof her broad experience with the development affairs of LatinAmerican women. That is to say, the afternoons were keptflexible; however, they were generally planned to continue themorning discussions by focusing on the conclusions of theindividual work groups.

Usually, by 5:00 P.M., the Plenary Session was able to focus on considertion of final recoimri-i~1dations of the Congresswith regard to the theme of the day, terminating the ses­sion between 6:00 to 6:30 P.M. The Research and Reproductionof Documents Committee was organized to summarize the entire set of conclusions and recommendations at the end of each dayand reproduice a daily summary in 450 copies to be distributedthe following morning to the'.Pteuarium. •This "sually requiredthat the Secretarial Committee and the Research and Reproduc­tion Committee work until 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. each nightfollowing the Congress.

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FINAL CONCLUSIONS OF THE CONGRESS 4

Existing Conditions Which --Predomination of paternal male) authority in spiteImpede. Development of the fact that woman bears the major responsibilityof the Paraguayan for all family affairs; Woman

--The established concept of "machismo";

--High percentage of broken families;

--Significantly large percentage of unmarried and abandoned mothers ;

Eployers who discriminate against the working mother;and who do not adequately comply with the legal require­ments established for minimum wage levels, maximum work hours, and work time schedules.

Exploitation of women artesans by intermediaries who do not remit a fair share of the profits;

High level of early school-leavers among femalechildren, especially in the rural areas;

Lack of control over the migration of female minorswithin the country, and the resulting problems of vagrancy, prostitution, and mendicancy;

--Communication media that undermine the dignity of woman through subtle pornography;

--Insufficient sexual education;

Lack of adequate recreation facilities for youth in therural areas;

The false notion that women are not sufficiently mature to participate in policy-making;

--Indifference of the female sector toward civic andpolitical issues because of social pressure, lack of adequate education, and because primary elections,district assemblies and the electoral system in generaldo not adequately reflect the true desires of women to participate;

--Legal discrimination against the married woman;

--Insufficient opportunity of the woman to participate inthe legal process of formulating the laws, as well aslack of opportunity to hold office, make policy andparticipate in the direction of political parties;

4Translations from original Spanish to English by June H. Turner

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--Weak basic values of women in the lesser developed

rural frontier regions of the country. In great part

this is due to lack of financial resources aggravated

by mass media programs and information conceived for

audiences with greater resources. Such communication

raises expectations and stimulates desires for luxuries

outside the realm of reality.

--Lack of sufficient respect by society for the

school teacher.

--Organizations for women only such as trade unions and

cooperatives. These tend to reinforce discrimination

rathcr than to integrate the sexes into the economic and social system.

GENERAL RECOYMENDATIONS5 --Avoid discrimination between the sexes by planning development programs which utilize both male and

female, thus incorporating wider representation of

view points and encouraging broader contribution.

--Woman should become an agent of change. In order to do so she must participate in decision-making at all

levels--economic, moral, cultural and social.

--Develop and respect legal and religious matrimony.

--Respect the cultural values of the indigenous family.

--Struggle for compliance with work laws, especially those which refer to minors, working mothers, domestic servants, and male artisans.

--Combat the problem of school drop-outs and their basic causes by coordinating programs between parents, schools and education authorities.

--Create institutions to rehabilitate the rural female

migrant and to control internal migration rural to urban) of minors.

--Utilize mass communication media to create a dignified image of woman.

-- nphasize the importance of ethical values in educa­tion at all levels (especially in the areas of sex education), and in the forming of labor organizations.

--Create recreation canters for young people in all the rural areas.

STranslations from briginal tpanish'to Eng1ish by-June H. Turner.

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--Create departments of feminine affairs in political organizations.

--Stimulate the creation of civic education centers,and reinforce those already existing in a manner which will facilitate greater access to positionsof authority for women.

--Revise the legislation regulating legal matrimony to provide equal rights for women with regard to the penalty of adultery; and to recognize equal rightsfor women to choose conjugal residence.

Seek and employ modern methods of communicating inboth Spanish and Guarani to make women aware of theirresponsibilities to society and to consolidate Para­guayan cultural values. [Although Paraguayan societyis very close to being completely bi-lingual, there still exist rural areas where Spanish is not well­spoken nor well-understood. In addition, urban womenfrequently do not entirely understand the complexitiesof the Guarani language, nor have they spent sufficient time in the remote regions of the country, such asthe Chaco, to be completely aware of all the nuances of the Indian culture.!.

Create more technical and professional traininginstitutions for women and reinforce formal education with corresponding extracurricular activities.

--Exert pressure to activate the Charter of By-Laws of the Ministry of Education Lcovers legal rights ofteachers, responsibilities of teaching positions,requirements and obligations of the Ministry with regard to filling teaching positions, etci concern­ing legitimate rights of teachers during active years,as well as those pertaining to retirement.

SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS6 Extend social security benefits (of the National Social

Security Institute) to cover the minor children ofteaching mothers, and limit the salary deductions ofthe teachers to a single line item. i Teachers in Paraguay often "moonlight", i.e. hold other jobs inaddition to their teaching positions, "to make ends meet." The current practice is for each employer todeduct a fixed amount from the salary of each employeeto be applied to social security benefits. The indus­trious individual, because she may be employed by morethan one organization, has the same amount deducted fromher salary by each employer, but receives no additionalbenefits or compensation, thus unfairly penalizing herand placing an unjust burden on the working mother.Individuals who hold more lucrative jobs and do not have to seek additional sources of income, pay only the single deduction]

OTranslations from origina?. Spanish to English by June H. Turner.

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PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

THE CONGRESS

Attendance

Media Coverage

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--Strenghten the various government "Women's Offices" leach government ministry generally includes a "Women's Office"tj, and support the programs of the National Service for the Professional Development.

Establish work groups Cfollowing the Congress) to studythe pioblems of prostitution and to specifically examine the effects of prostitution on the image of Paraguayan woman and its relation to her dignity.

--Regularly convene regional and national meetings,discussions, seminars congressesand for women.

During the initial planning of the Congress, when the number of invitations to be issued and expected attendance was initially discussed, I felt that anticipation of 450 to 500 persons was extremely optimistic. I was particular­ly doubtful with regard to the anticipated number of "campesinas" expected.

The Inaugural Session at the Teatro Guarani was filled to capacity and people were standing in the rear of the theatre, an indication that over 1,500 persons were in attendance. Approximately 375 persons registered asofficial delegates and observers. Of these, 150 to 175 were from the rural areas. The auditorium at the Institute of Higher Education (ISE), site of the Congress,ordinarily seats 350 persons, but another 100 chairs were brought in, pr.,viding a seating capacity of 450. From thQ beginning of the Plenary Sessions on Monday, July 21,through the end of the Congress on Saturday, July 26, the auditorium was filled each dey with people crowded in the doorways and standing agaiast the walls. The attendence remained at full capacity even on the days during the Congress which were exceptionally cold and pouring rain.

Cooperation and coverage by the press was in great partdue to the efforts of the Press Comnittee and the profes­sional advice and assistance of the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Labor.

The Organizing Commission began publicizing the Congressin February 1975, six months prior to the actual event. The principal media utilized at this time were 10 minuteweekly radio and TV broadcasts featuring interviews with the members of the Comission and the Liga-Paraguay4 delos Derechos de la Mujer (Paraguayan League for Women's Rights).

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Criticisms of the 4Conugress

One week prior to the Congress, written releases were provided on a daily basis to:

--Newspapera:

Patria Tribuna ABC Color Ultima Hora

-- Agencia Paraguaya de Noticias (Paraguayan News Agency):

All radio stations

--TV Channel 9

A new magazine just beginning publication in Asunci6n,the Hujer Parapiaya, was not included because initially,it had not been publicized and, therefore', was unknown. The editor, however, attended the Congress and the first issue will carry a complete story of the First National Paraguayan Women's Congress.

The four newspapers, TV Channel 9 and the radio stations were extremely cooperative, both prior to and during the Congress. There was usually at least one page (not theSocial Column or "women's pages") devoted to the Congress,and often a double-page spread. News broalcasts via radio and TV made reference to the Congress throughoutthe day, usually beginning with the 7:00 a.m. news and terminating with the lst nipht1y broadcast.

In addition, the press was represented throughout each day at the Congress. The Press Committee continued providing daily copy which included summarized versions of the research papers submitted for discussion.

Congressional discussion of issues stimulated by the event have continued to occupy press and public attention.

Generally speaking, criticisms were minimal and based on personal interpretations and sometimes misinformation. As could be expected, the bulk of negative comments over­heard were directed by persons who were not members of the Liga faraguaya The majority were affiliated with political parties in opposition to the Coloradq Party,and pre-Congress comments were principally based on,disbelief that the Congress could be "open" "un­and controlled." The substance of later comments were:

-Nothing will come of the Congress;

--Many interested and competent people were not invited;

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--People working at the grass roots were not invited;

--"Work Groups" were not accorded enough time to care­fully think through the issues, and the moderators were not skilled in getting everyone to express their opinions;

--"Work Groups" tended to fill out questionnaires in such a way as to whitewash the issues;

--It is doubtful that the participants were sophisti­cated enough to interpret the full meaning of the information presented by some of the speakers.

Analysis In any event such as a first national congress, criticism is to be expected. Indeed, as a form of corrective feed­back, it is essential to popular learning and integral to participatory democracy. As such, criticisms of the Congress are an indication that it was an "open" event, in spite of the efforts of three or four people to control the proceedings (which I believe is normal). In order to be completely objective, however, it is important to view the criticisms in the light of the political. context of the Paraguayan society as a whole.

Although it is a given that the membership of the Liga Paraguaya de los Derechos de la Mujer is drawn from the Colorado Party, I believe it is fair to state that the vast bulk of citizens "belong" to the ruling party because there is no alternative to economic survival. In my opinion, foreign observes sometimes mistakenly conclude that opposition to the ruling Colorado Party (often accused of being oppressive, traditional in its support of the status quo, and paternalistic in outlook) automatically infers opposition to paternalism and status quo. In fact, I believe this is akin to the "pot calling the kettle black," since there is little evidence that opposition forces represent any movement toward change of the traditional social structure, particularly with reference to the status of women.

Political/ Opposition forces to the ruling party in Paraguay are Sociological Sources led by two principal groups, both of which had ample of Critical Comments7 representation at the Congress:

I. The Catholic Church

The "Church" in Paraguay oeems ovetwhelmingly tra­ditional and paternalistic in its approach to dvei,'l­opment and the status of women:

--It is strongly opposed to family planning and birth control measures although in many countries,

7Universities, women's organizations competing with the Liga Paraguava, student groups, and o..her dissidents have not been included because I believe they should be generally categorized within the two principal opposition forces.

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Omission of Divorce as

An Issue For Discussion

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progressive elements of the Catholic Church maintain *adiscreet silence on the issue and sometimes ac­tively support family.planning;

The secret Catholic lay organization, Opus Dei, isactive in Paraguay, especially in support of train­ing rural women as domestic servants, and in con­structing roadblocks to dissemination of birth control devices and information;

Most priests and nuns continue wearing traditional garments, now forsaken by the progressive orders;

The majority of Church related, "development-oriented" individuals 'inParaguay continue to view social andand economic development as dependent on donations ant charities rather than in terms of self-help and self-sufficiency.

II. Political Parties (Liberal and Febrista)

The majority of the members of these parties is comprised of wealthy elites who form a "loyalopposition" to the Colorado Party and who are ableto remain in Paraguay in opposition to the rulingparty because they possess independent sources of income. Less affluent opponents of the Colorado Partyare forced to seek work or means of support outside the country, while the wealthy few are permitted toremain in a show of democracy. The majority of themembers of opposition parties living in Paraguay are apt to be more in sympathy with and to reinforce the economic and social status quo, than the correspond­ing percentage of members of the Colorado Party.

A third source of criticism of the Congress, unrelated tothe Catholic Church or political parties, fromcamethe young women university students who volunteered their Irofessional services without financial compensation forexpenses, or status in the Congress which would grant themvoice or vote.8

If one examines the basic problems related to the integra­tion of Paraguayan women into the economic and social structure on an equal footing with Paraguayan men, thetraditional and legal viewpoints of divorce would rate highon the list. At the personal discussion level, one finds unsatisfactory marital relationships are generally recog­nized as a primary source of conflicting social values,"double-think", hypocrisy, and frustrations. Among the common topics of conversation are the complicated, un­orthodox and illegal relationships that result from the "no divorce" law. This law plays a fundamental role

8See the following comments under Conservative versus Progressive Elements, p. 20

Time Allotted to Work Groups

recommendation:

THE LIGA PARAGUAYA AND THE ORGANIZING COMMISSION

Volunteer Staff

Conservative versus Progressive

Elements

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in problems concerning prostitution, family planning,inheritance, crime, equal rights, work laws, social security, woman's image of herself, etc. Yet, among all the issues examined by the Congress, neither divorce nor the law prohibiting it were ever me.tioned.

Two hours were programmed each day for "Work Groups" to consider the ifto-ws discussed in the Plenary Session. Because the program was kept flexible to accommodate unforseen problems, time planned for the "Work Groups" was regularly cut into. All the delegates expressed the feeling that two hours for individual group discussions was the minimum time in which an issue could be carefullyconsidered an conclusions and recommendations agreed upon.

My recommendation to future planners roiild'be to try to keep programs flexible by shifting top(,,s and/or speakers,but to avoid last-minute additions to the list of speakers and panel discussants.

During the 2 weeks preceding the Congress, the volunteers of the Liga Paraguaya and the members of the OrganizingCommission worked frow their temporary office on tne 3rd floor of the Ministry of Justice and Labor. The weather in Paraguay during July is generally cold and there is no heat in any of the buildings. The Ministry was so cold that we were obliged to work all day in hats, overcoats and double wool socks. Office hours began at 7:00 a.m. and often did not terminate until 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sons,daughters, husbands and other relatives were drafted to assist with such chores as typing, transportation, moving of equipment, etc. The President of the _igajparauaa, Sra. de Gonzalez, spent at least half of her time working with the group at the Ministry,.iand the remainder of her time working out of her home where another part of the staff was also established.

The Liga Faraguaya comprises both conservative and progrissive members. The conservative element is re­presented by no more than four or five persons who would retain the status quo of the organization, rather than accept the reality of the importance of new younger members, new ideas, and the need for solutions to existing problems. There were two instances when the extreme caution of this conservative element, whether for political reasons or for personal reasons of insecurity, threatened the impartiali­ty and democracy of the Congress:

.I) A group of 15 young women (senior and post-graduate students) from the National University School of Social Service, especially trained in the techniques

Press Committee

recommendation:

Research and Reproduction of

D.cuments Committee

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of Group Dynamics, had volunteered their services to act as moderators for the daily "work groups."Due to the expressed concern by several of the consgrvative,members ofthe.Liga, of "infiltration" of .theCongress by "subversive" elements, the 15 young women withdrew their offer to moderate the "work groups." This unfortunate occurrence made it necessary for the "work groups" to elect moderators from within each group, none of whom were trained in Group Dynamics or democratic participation.

2) Members of the press observed to be taking notes during the Congress were told by one of the conser­vative members of the Lia that they would not be permitted to publish any information about the Congress unless it had been released to them in written form. This occurred as.a result of published press interviews with unofficial observers of the Congress which were interpreted by the conservative members as derogatory.

One week before the Congress began, the volunteer Press Committee Chairman was unable to carry out her responsi­bility and advised the Commission she would not be available until the Congress convened. A member of the Committee, Sra. Etelvina de Cardozo, stepped in and assumed the duties of the Chairman without any previousdirect contacts with the press. Because of her native ability and dedication to the goals of the Congress, pressrelations were outstanding, although the time required to carry out this responsibility was devoted at great personal sacrifice...

Since many women's conferences, congresses, seminars and regional meetings are generally sponsored by privatevoluntary organizations, it is strongly recommended that program planning should insure that volunteer committees are headed by persons who are not only experienced in the work of the committee, but qualified by prior experienceand training. Moreover, it is essential that committee heads clearly understand the nature of their responsi­bility and commitment in order to avoid breakdowns in the functioning of the organization at critical times. In voluntary organizations, this is often a delicate and sensitive issue since committee leadership is frequently equated with status rather than function.

This is the first conference I have attended in anycountry, including the United States, where papers to be presented at the.meeting were reproduced and distributed in advance to the official delegates and observers. It is also the first time I have attended a conference in which

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the daily results of the discussions were summarized inthe form of conclusions and reproduced for distribution the following morning.

A great deal of effort and time was devoted byCommittee which was required to-work late hours duringthe Congress, as well as months of preparation beforethe event. A new mimeograph machine was lent to theOrganizing Commission by a commercial Paraguayan businessfirm, along with several typewriters, for use during the Congress. These were installed in a classroom at ISE,and operated by a crew of young men and women volunteers,headed by Dr. Marta Elina de Pereira, President of theCongress, and Lic. Lina de Velasquez, a professionalsocial worker.

recommendation: This was a highly successful innovation to be recommended for several reasons:

It gave the official delegates and observers anopportunity to prepare for the Plenary Sessions inadvance, and thus to make a greater participation;

It stimulated further discussion, interest andinteraction among participants;

--Conclusions on daily themes and summarized versionsof the research papers were distributed to the mass media for public dissemination, thus permitting the Congress to reach a larger audience;

--Documentation of individual Work Group decisions were available to all.

Teamwork The conceptual organization and function of the Congresswas based on "teamwork." It would be difficult to denythat the concept was the input of a U.S. adviser, sinceit is not indigenous to Paraguayan thought patterns. Ifound the teamwork concept to be accepted in theory. In practice, it was not clearly understood.

Those times when schedules broke down, when tempers flared,when personalities clashed, when information ceased toflow, were primarily the result of traditional thought.patterns based on egocentrism, self-images based onpersonal authority rather than group agreement, concensus,and democratic sharing of work, problems and successes.

recommendation: Since the team concept is fundamental to the smooth functioning of any organization, it is recommended thatplanners of large group meetings and advisers to volunteer groups planning conferences, congresses and seminars givespecial thought and attention to stressing cooperation,coordination of efforts, and interpersonal relationships.Lines of authority and communication channels should beestablished early in the planning, and discussed throughlyin group meetings of the persons involved. Any changes in the organizational structure should be clearly understood by all.