LOLA Chapter Updates – March 2024

 

LOLA LONDON, UK

LOLA PUB MIXER

 

The chapter event aimed to unite women interested in LOLA UK, marking their first in-person gathering. The venue, a popular pub within the Westminster free-market community, was the perfect backdrop for the event. Participants distributed LOLA-themed cupcakes and leaflets to women in the pub to generate curiosity about LOLA.

The gathering discussed the liberty movement’s opportunities, highlighted the forthcoming LevelUp event, and brainstormed for future LOLA activities. Critical discussions touched upon heavy regulations hindering housing development, laws that limit freedom of speech, particularly affecting gender-critical activists who are predominantly women and childcare regulations that drive up costs.

LOLA UK also tackled the unique challenges women face in politics, delving into significant issues like the gender pay gap and the shortcomings of Britain’s socialist healthcare system. The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering community among libertarian women, and setting the stage for future initiatives.

 

 

LOLA WASHINGTON D.C.

GALENTINE’S DAY

 

The chapter event delved into the topics of private property rights and the importance of private charitable actions. Participants engaged in a lively discussion on creative arguments against economic liberty infringements, including the licensing requirements for makeup artists and hairstylists specializing in blow-dry techniques.
The conversation also covered local zoning reform efforts, spotlighting initiatives like Arlington County’s ‘missing middle’ housing strategies. Additionally, the gathering explored ways to involve LOLA DC in local charitable activities, underscoring the group’s commitment to positively impacting the community. This event fostered a deeper understanding of economic freedom and community involvement among attendees.

 

 

LOLA RIO DE JANEIRO

CLUBE DO LIVRO & VINHO

 

The chapter event featured a spirited debate on Ludwig von Mises’s book The Anti-Capitalist Mentality. Participants examined the book’s critique of government mismanagement and its negative impacts on the free market. The discussion emphasized the state’s inefficiency, highlighting how its actions can obstruct market freedom. This event offered attendees a platform to explore and articulate their views on the importance of economic liberty and the challenges posed by government interference.

 

 

LOLA AMU, INDIA

CRITICAL DISCUSSION ON THE MOVIE “PROVOKED”

 

The chapter event focused on two primary goals: raising awareness about retaliative actions in women and encouraging victims of domestic violence to seek help. It addressed the critical issue that the local education system still regards mental health as taboo and perpetuates the stereotype of women as the weaker societal segment, reliant on men for protection. Attendees discussed the justification of violent retaliation after enduring prolonged cruelty, violence, and torture, both physical and mental. The event also underscored the significance of men’s upbringing in shaping women’s social perception, highlighting the need for a societal shift towards equality and understanding. This gathering served as a platform for advocating change and support for those affected by domestic violence.

 

 

LOLA UBERLANDIA, MINAS GERAIS

CAFÉ COM POLÍTICA

 

The chapter event delved into the intricate ways our brains make decisions and the impact of these processes on political choices, focusing on women ascending to positions of power. Through thoughtful analysis, participants acknowledged the diversity of demands each woman faces within her field of activity. A critical insight emerged: public authorities often fail to recognize individuals’ unique needs, leading to a collective approach that falls short of addressing specific requirements. This discussion highlighted the importance of acknowledging and catering to the varied needs of women in power, stressing the gap between individual needs and collective solutions offered by public institutions.

 

 

LOLA TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

THE WAR ON DRUGS – DISCUSSING THE CONSEQUENCES

 

Inspired by the compelling narratives in Netflix’s “Griselda” series, the chapter explored the economic and social repercussions of the drug war in Colombia and across Latin America. Additionally, the discussion extended to the outcomes of drug decriminalization in Portugal, providing a comprehensive look at the issue from multiple perspectives. The event was engaging and thought-provoking, attracting individuals fascinated by the real-life stories behind series like “Griselda” and “Narcos,” as well as those eager for a deeper understanding of the drug war’s complexities. Expert speakers Alejandra Moreno, Claudia Nunes, and Nitzan Ohali Meron contributed valuable insights, making the event a rich source of information and analysis on this critical topic.

 

 

 

 

LOLA PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

READING GROUP ON THE 7 HABITS OF THE HIGHLY OBJECTIVE PEOPLE

 

The chapter hosted a reading group centered on the theme of “The 7 Habits of Highly Objective People,” drawing in 25 participants for a deep dive into the practices of critical thinking and logical decision-making. Amidst a backdrop where communist and socialist ideologies prevail, making discussions on rights and liberty challenging, and where life is marked by extensive regulation and censorship, the event stood out as a beacon for individual and property rights.

The conversation underscored a concerning observation: the community’s scarcity of logical and critical thinking, with the majority conforming without question, contributing to societal turmoil. As participants noted, false news and prevailing ideologies have mesmerized the populace, making rational and research-based thinking a rarity.

In this context, the reading material’s best practices were heralded as tools for uncovering and fostering a truth-seeking culture. This gathering highlighted the critical need for individual thought in a heavily collectivist society and offered a path forward through enlightened discussion and the embrace of objective thinking practices.

 

 

LOLA BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

8M ORGANIZATION

 

In a recent meeting that felt more like a brainstorming session, participants from various backgrounds gathered to lay the groundwork for an upcoming online event focusing on women in AI—a first for LOLA. The gathering was marked by the presence of the president of LOLA Argentina, along with specialists in AI and marketing, highlighting the importance of this initiative.

The agenda was rich with key topics to enlighten the audience about the intersection of women and technology. Discussions kicked off with an essential question: “What is AI?” This served as a foundation for further exploration into the implications of AI on the job market, pondering over which sectors might see a transformation or displacement by AI technologies and identifying new job opportunities emerging from the so-called Industrial Revolution 4.0.

A critical part of the conversation revolved around strategizing how to encourage more women to dive into the technology and AI sectors. The meeting discussed the current state of affairs and actively sought solutions and strategies to enhance female participation in these cutting-edge fields. This event underscored LOLA’s commitment to broadening the dialogue around women in technology and AI, setting the stage for an insightful and impactful online event.

 

 

 

 

LOLA BOGOTA, COLOMBIA

LANZAMIENTO MALVA – MUJERES AUTÓNOMAS, LIBRES Y VALIENTES. CAPITULO LOLA BOGOTA

 

The event started with an introduction to the MALVA project, which aims to empower women and promote liberty, first in Bogotá and then across Colombia. This was followed by an engaging panel titled “Challenges and Triumphs of Women Today,” marking the launch of MALVA—Autonomous, Free, and Brave Women.

The panel featured remarkable women who shared their success stories and insights, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with and learn from their experiences. Questions from both men and women in the audience sparked lively discussions, highlighting the importance of addressing the challenges women face in society today. The guest speaks were:

Angela María Vergara, from Cartagena and an entrepreneurial family, is a lawyer specializing in Administrative Law from Universidad Libre. Passionate about politics, she is also a mother and wife. From a young age, she displayed leadership skills, serving as a youth spokesperson and board member for the Conservative Party’s New Generations. Angela was a local council member in Cartagena from 2015 to 2021 and a recognized sports leader. Elected as Representative for Bolívar in Congress, she led the “mi plata ya” initiative, simplifying income tax refund processes for citizens.

Juliana Ospina, a leader from Risaralda, has excelled as a student and lawyer specializing in Public Finance. A National Oratory Champion and former Youth Mayor of Santa Rosa de Cabal, she became a council member in 2015 with a record vote count. Founder of the #MoreSolutions movement, she was a mayoral candidate and ran for the Chamber of Representatives in 2022. She is committed to her department and supports initiatives for rights and regional representation for incarcerated individuals. She’s a key leader in the “en Marcha” political movement.

Valentina Angel is a proud Quindiana and Cuyabra, carrying the essence of coffee in her veins in every setting she participates in. She is a lawyer, with a Master’s in State Law focusing on government and territorial entities. Professionally, she has advised various social and political leaders. Valentina recently served as an advisor to the Private Secretary and other Medellín Mayor’s Office departments, facing significant challenges we’re eager to hear about today. Valentina is a wife and a prominent youth leader who has represented the country in various programs, being a scholarship recipient from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and a member of the Humanist Network for Latin America. She is currently embarking on a local business venture in her hometown.

María Victoria, commonly known as Toto, is a Bogotan at heart despite being born in Norte de Santander. Having been a businesswoman with knowledge in advertising, her life turned when she became a mother, dedicating herself entirely to her family and political causes, where she stands out as a committed activist. Her vision of gender collaboration and her admiration for women working for their rights and those of all citizens with love and determination reflect her deep commitment to equality and respect. She was a candidate for the Bogotá council on behalf of the Creemos party.

In a world where gender equality and equity are at the forefront of global conversations, this panel was an invaluable chance to hear from exceptional women who have broken the mold, overcome barriers, and succeeded in their fields. The discussions delved into women’s current challenges and the ongoing efforts needed to create a more equitable society with legal equality.

 

 

 

 

LOLA DHAKA, BANGLADESH

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BRUNCH

 

The newly formed LOLA chapter marked International Women’s Day with its first-ever IWD brunch, focusing on celebrating liberty and financial independence for women. The event provided a platform for discussing the critical role of women’s financial independence in society. Attendees delved into various aspects surrounding this theme, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to achieve economic self-sufficiency. This gathering underscored the chapter’s commitment to advancing discussions on key issues affecting women’s independence and equality.

 

 

LOLA WASHINGTON D.C.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BRUNCH

 

The chapter celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting an event to convert interested members into attendees, focusing on critical issues such as childcare accessibility, fair pay, and homelessness. The discussion covered a broad spectrum of topics including parental rights, women’s access to fair income, and shifts in leadership within the liberty movement. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage deeply with various challenges facing women today, fostering a collaborative environment to explore solutions and advocate for change. The event highlighted the chapter’s dedication to addressing important societal issues and promoting equality and liberty for women.

 

 

LOLA CEARA, BRAZIL

VISIT TO FORTALEZA’S CITY COUNCIL – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MANIFEST

For International Women’s Day, LOLA Ceara took a significant step by producing a manifesto, which, along with a rose, was handed out to all female local representatives. This gesture addressed these representatives’ observed lack of knowledge regarding libertarian ideas. Personal brief exchanges were made with all nine female city councilors, leading to more substantial meetings with two of them. During these interactions, it was communicated that LOLA could provide support through data, technical information, and public policy assistance. This initiative marked a thoughtful celebration of International Women’s Day and underscored LOLA Brazil’s commitment to educating and collaborating with local leaders on libertarian principles.

 

 

LOLA PARANA, BRAZIL

NACIONAL COORDINATOR EVENT FOR REPRESENT LOLA IN WOMANS INTERNACIONAL DAY

 

At a notable event, the Curitiba chapter of LOLA took the initiative to engage directly with the municipal council representatives. Each member was presented with a rose and a document outlining the principles and expectations LOLA holds for what a liberal woman’s role in government should encompass. The primary focus was to introduce and highlight liberal ideas and political concerns, aiming to showcase the essence of LOLA to our councilors. This effort was not just about information sharing but also about beginning to build a meaningful relationship with public authorities. Through this thoughtful gesture, the chapter demonstrated its commitment to promoting liberal values in governance and establishing a dialogue with those in power.

 

 

LOLA ESPIRITO SANTO, BRAZIL

TOUR NO MORRO JESUS DE NAZARETH

 

During a recent visit, chapter members gained firsthand insights into the various challenges confronting the city’s peripheral communities, including issues related to cleaning, security, tourism development, and the training of entrepreneurs. This experience highlighted these communities’ struggles and paved the way for establishing contacts that will facilitate future engagement events specifically targeting women in the community.

The visit underscored the strong link between the ideas of freedom and the concepts of financial freedom and autonomy. It became evident that an entrepreneurial audience within the community desperately needed training. By offering content focused on these areas, the chapter is poised to introduce and reinforce the principles of freedom among community members, fostering a culture of independence and empowerment. This initiative represents a significant step towards bringing the values of liberty to individuals who stand to benefit immensely from them.

 

 

 

 

LOLA KATHMANDU, NEPAL

UNLEASHING POTENTIAL WITH LOLA: EXPLORING FREEDOM

 

The chapter event was a multifaceted gathering that celebrated International Women’s Day, marked the one-year rejuvenation anniversary of LOLA Nepal, and aimed to promote the ideas of liberty. Ganga Maharjan, Head of the English Department at MBMC and Co-founder and Vice Principal at South Valley English Secondary School, led a thought-provoking session titled “Liberating Women Through Liberty.”

Participants delved into the role of literature in shaping perceptions of women, learning about the suppression of female voices in historical writings. The session highlighted how subjects like art and literature were traditionally deemed suitable for women and considered ‘easier’ fields of study. The emergence of feminism in the 1960s challenged these notions, critiquing European literature dominated by “Dead White European Males” and heterosexual narratives. Discussions also questioned the gender bias in historical narratives, pondering why it’s “History” instead of “Her-story,” and concluded with a lively debate on patriarchal gender roles, illustrated through the works of various women writers.

This event not only celebrated the significant strides made by women but also fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges they continue to face in literature and beyond, all while weaving in the core principles of liberty and equality.

 

 

LOLA TBILISI, GEORGIA

INFORMATIONAL MEETING OF LOLA

 

Students received a comprehensive introduction to the LOLA organization at the informational meeting, focusing on engaging their interests and discussing its core ideas, principles, and ideologies. Key issues addressed included the challenges of women’s empowerment, the lack of Rule of Law, insufficient libertarian knowledge, limited self-expression, and the scarcity of female employment opportunities.

The discussion delved deep into the essence of LOLA, covering its objectives, aims, goals, future activities, and the opportunities it offers. Efforts were made to enhance the student’s skills and leadership competencies by organizing and demonstrating career development workshops. Highlighting the achievements of successful women leaders, the meeting featured a discussion on the biography of Margaret Thatcher, among others, serving as inspiration and a source of motivation for the attendees.

This session aimed to familiarize students with LOLA and its mission and to empower them by showcasing paths to career development and leadership, reinforcing the importance of female representation and success in leadership roles.

 

 

LOLA GUATEMALA, GUATEMALA

8M – MARCH OF WOMEN LIBERTARIAN

 

The event was centered around participating in the 8M march, demonstrating that libertarian women, including many who identify as libertarian feminists, actively support and engage in this movement. The march was conducted in alignment with libertarian principles, notably avoiding iconoclasm, to express discontent with the daily challenges faced by women in the country.

Before the march, sessions emphasized the significance of respecting private property, maintaining a liberal perspective, and advocating for freedom of expression without harming others. This approach was aimed at showcasing a distinct libertarian stance on women’s issues, especially focusing on the various forms of violence that hinder women’s freedom in multiple facets of their lives.

The march served as a platform to raise awareness about LOLA and to introduce feminist women to libertarian alternatives, expanding the conversation about women’s rights and freedoms. Through this event, LOLA sought to bridge the gap between libertarianism and feminism, offering new perspectives and solutions to women’s problems.