LOLA PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN
STRATEGIC MEETING AND DISCUSSION ON THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN PROMOTING LIBERTY
LOLA Peshawar convened a strategic meeting to outline the chapter’s plan for the next four months and delve into the role of youth in promoting liberty within Pakistan. The meeting also aimed to educate LOLA members about the principles of freedom, particularly in the context of Pakistan, where women are often marginalized. Participants engaged in a comprehensive discussion about women’s social, economic, and political challenges, and the pervasive taboo around liberty in the country. This stigma has led to the dominance of socialist and communist ideologies, resulting in an over-regulated society and severe restrictions on individual freedoms.
The conversation underscored the illusion of freedom of speech in Pakistan, with fundamentalists, religious extremists, and the government united in suppressing open expression and discussion of the issues individuals face. The meeting was centered on these key themes, encouraging attendees to explore how LOLA could address these challenges and promote liberty in the region.
LOLA JOINVILLE, SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL
ENCONTRO MÊS DE MAIO (MAY MEETING)
LOLA Joinville hosted an inspiring event, connecting women with two prominent professionals in communication and health. The event featured Dra. Abir Azulay, a renowned dermatologist, and Jaque Dutra, a highly respected journalist. Both speakers have achieved significant recognition at local and national levels. The discussion focused on essential topics such as financial education, job creation, professional skills development, and access to education. The attendees were captivated by the speakers’ ability to guide the conversation and share their expertise effectively. The event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
LOLA OTTOWA, CANADA
CRAFTS AND COCKTAILS
LOLA Ottawa hosted a creative event introducing new women to the chapter. The event was designed to attract women interested in feminism, even those who may not be particularly political.
During the cocktail hour, attendees had the chance to meet other chapter members and engage in discussions about various topics, including issues related to the Canadian government, centralized health care, and the upcoming U.S. elections. The main event featured a craft activity where participants designed their own candles or cellphone cases, which brought excitement and creativity to the room. The feminine and engaging nature of the event helped create a welcoming environment for women to connect with LOLA Ottawa.
LOLA BANGALORE, INDIA
BANGALORE CHAPTER LAUNCH
LOLA Bangalore held an empowering chapter event focused on reaching out to women with ideas of liberty and introducing them to the work of the Ladies of Liberty Alliance. The event allowed attendees to learn about LOLA and explore how they could become part of this global community that promotes individual liberty and women’s empowerment.
After giving a primer on classical liberalism, the discussion shifted to the challenges women face in Bangalore, including workplace dynamics, career development, and safety concerns. Issues like the lack of women in leadership roles and language-based discrimination were also explored, with attendees sharing their personal experiences. The group brainstormed how LOLA could help address these challenges by fostering leadership and self-reliance among women. The event highlighted the importance of a strong women’s community in promoting liberty and supporting each other through shared experiences.
LOLA MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
WHAT IS LOLA
LOLA Maputo held an event with the primary objective of introducing participants to the organization, focusing on LOLA’s mission, vision, values, and critical areas of activity. The event also provided a platform for networking and engagement among attendees, encouraging discussions on women’s significant role in promoting freedom and individual rights. The gathering fostered community among participants while underscoring LOLA’s commitment to advancing liberty through women’s leadership and involvement.
LOLA SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA
MATES AT THE PARK
LOLA Santiago del Estero reconvened after a break to exchange perspectives and brainstorm fresh ideas for resuming activities and events. The meeting focused on chapter planning and strategy, particularly addressing the challenges of libertarian movements in a province with an authoritarian and conservative government. Attendees discussed and proposed ideas for upcoming events, aiming to reach potential new members and expand the chapter’s influence. Special attention was given to the pressing issue of gender violence, which the group identified as a key area for future discussions and initiatives.
LOLA OKLAHOMA, USA
COFFEE @ THE FARMERS’ MARKET
LOLA Oklahoma held a meeting to discuss the benefits of free markets, bartering, and farmers’ markets. Attendees explored how these markets, along with Oklahoma’s cottage laws, exemplify the positive impact of free markets on communities. The discussion highlighted how these systems empower small, local producers while providing individuals access to specialized goods and services without government regulation or intervention. The event emphasized the value of these practices in promoting community-driven economic growth and personal empowerment.
LOLA RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
PROTEST FOR THE FREEDOM OF MARIA OROPEZA
LOLA Rio de Janeiro organized an event highlighting the importance of freedom of speech. The main objective was to create a national outcry in support of the freedom of Maria Oropeza, a Venezuelan LOLA leader. Attendees gathered to protest and raise awareness about her situation, emphasizing the critical role that free expression plays in both personal liberty and broader societal well-being. The event successfully united participants around the cause of defending freedom and human rights, fostering a strong sense of solidarity and action.
LOLA DHAKA, BANGLADESH
HER PERSPECTIVE: NAVIGATING NEW BANGLADESH
LOLA Dhaka hosted a meeting to discuss the significant role of women in Bangladesh’s recent government crackdown and their involvement in the student-led mass movement. The event had 12 attendees, and discussions focused on how female activists, particularly university students, played a vital role in overthrowing the authoritarian government.
Attendees shared their experiences and perspectives on the movement, highlighting how women’s participation is increasingly visible in activism and policy changes under the new government. The discussion also touched on potential policy reforms that could advance women’s roles, emphasizing addressing sexual harassment and ensuring that such issues can be directly presented to the government. This event fostered insightful exchanges on how LOLA members can continue advocating for women’s rights and policy change in Bangladesh.
LOLA CORDOBA, ARGENTINA
CHARLA SOBRE VENEZUELA
LOLA Córdoba held an event to discuss the current situation in Venezuela with Venezuelan activist Adriana Flores. The focus was on the well-being and whereabouts of María Oropeza, who has been abducted and is being held captive by Maduro’s regime. Attendees emphasized the importance of getting more involved in situations where freedom is severely limited, such as Venezuela. The event aimed to raise awareness about María’s case and encourage attendees to amplify their voices to support her freedom and the broader fight for liberty in Venezuela.
LOLA CORDOBA, ARGENTINA
REST OF YEAR EVENTS
LOLA Córdoba gathered to plan events and exchange ideas for the remainder of the year, focusing on personal finance and emotional intelligence. Given the persistently high inflation in Argentina, managing personal finances and emotions tied to financial stress was identified as crucial. The meeting centered around planning a three-day personal finance seminar, which was one of the main reasons for the gathering. Attendees emphasized that personal finance is vital to achieving independence, especially for women in Argentina’s challenging economic environment. The group also outlined plans for additional events throughout the year.
LOLA MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL
FORÚM DA LIBERDADE E DEMOCRACIA
LOLA Minas Gerais participated in an event organized by the Leadership Training Institute of Belo Horizonte. At the event, which focused on “Freedom to Prosper,” various solutions for promoting economic and financial freedom were discussed. The LOLA team took the opportunity to introduce LOLA to the women in attendance, distributing presentation materials and a personalized LOLA financial planner. This was particularly relevant in a city like Belo Horizonte, where inequality, taxes, and political privileges abound. The event allowed for meaningful engagement on how financial freedom can empower individuals and promote broader prosperity.
LOLA PARANA, BRAZIL
ONE MONTH WITHOUT MARIA OROPEZA – CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DICTATORSHIP IN VENEZUELA
LOLA Paraná hosted an event to remember María Oropeza and discuss the dictatorship in Venezuela, focusing on the importance of liberty and justice. The event featured insightful discussions led by María Alejandra Pernía Ruiz and José Ali Pernía Belandria, who explained the harsh realities of life under Maduro’s regime. They highlighted how television and media in Venezuela operate under strict government control. José also provided an update on María Oropeza’s legal situation, adding an impactful layer to the conversation. The discussion helped clear up misconceptions about what’s happening in Venezuela and underscored the importance of advocating for freedom and justice in the face of oppression.
LOLA DHAKA, BANGLADESH
MOVIE DISCUSSION AND WORKSHOP
LOLA Dhaka met with ten attendees to discuss the relevance of the famous Bengali film Mahanagar in today’s context. The discussion focused on analyzing women’s roles from both societal and economic perspectives. Attendees highlighted how the film’s main character, Arthi Majumder, initially gained social and economic respect but was later denied the opportunity to continue her job. Despite this setback, Arthi demonstrated strong leadership, which resonated with the participants. The group also discussed how modern capitalism has advanced women’s financial roles in society, making the film’s themes from the 1960s still relevant today. The event provided a platform for exploring how women can continue challenging societal norms and pushing for greater economic independence.
LOLA LIMA, PERU
CLUB DE LECTURA “LEER ES LIBERTAD” 2DA EDICIÓN
LOLA Lima hosted a special event as part of its “Leer es Libertad” series, where participants meet weekly or biweekly to discuss chapters from a chosen book on liberalism. During this event, attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in a live discussion with Roxana Nicula, the author of the book they had been reading. Participants asked questions and shared their reflections on the book, particularly regarding women’s issues, political and economic challenges, and the role of the State.
The conversation focused on how the State’s significant presence in citizens’ lives often imposes a progressive agenda. Attendees discussed various perspectives on the role of a liberal State in ensuring equality before the law for women, emphasizing the need for the State to step back in emergencies and allow room for diverse political agendas beyond the left. Roxana Nicula, a Spanish liberal libertarian leader of Romanian origin, contributed valuable insights, drawing from her extensive experience as president of the Foundation for the Advancement of Liberty and her active advocacy for civil liberties and free markets. The event enriched participants’ understanding of liberal principles and their application to contemporary issues.
LOLA LUCKNOW, INDIA
LIBERTARIANISM AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT- I
LOLA Lucknow hosted an event focusing on the intersection of libertarianism and women’s rights. The discussion centered on promoting economic independence, challenging traditional societal narratives, and creating a supportive community for women. Attendees highlighted key challenges, including gender inequality caused by conventional societal norms, particularly in education, employment, and safety. Economic disparities between urban and rural areas were also discussed, with rural regions lagging in development and income levels.
Law and order, especially regarding women’s safety, remain a concern in Lucknow despite being safer than other cities. Attendees explored the importance of property rights for economic empowerment, noting that libertarianism’s emphasis on property rights ensures women can own, manage, and benefit from property—whether land, business assets, or intellectual property. The group also discussed the importance of freedom of choice, advocating for women’s ability to decide about their careers, family life, and education without societal or governmental coercion.
Finally, the event emphasized the significance of educational freedom, focusing on school choice and educational vouchers as a means for women to access better educational opportunities, leading to improved economic outcomes and diverse career paths.
LIBERTARIANISM AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT- II
LOLA Lucknow held a chapter event focused on creating a supportive community for women interested in libertarian ideas. The event provided a platform for participants to connect, share experiences, and support each other in their personal and professional growth. Discussions centered on policy advocacy, exploring how libertarian solutions could enhance women’s freedoms in healthcare, education, workplace rights, and protection from state overreach.
Participants emphasized the importance of inspiring women to take on leadership roles within the libertarian movement and advocate for policies supporting individual freedom and empowerment. Key issues such as healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, and unemployment challenges for young graduates in Lucknow were highlighted. The group also examined debates around development policies, resource allocation, and government schemes for urban and rural development.
The conversation shifted to advocating for labor market freedom, with libertarians calling for fewer restrictions, such as minimum wage laws and licensing requirements, to create more job opportunities for women. Attendees also emphasized bodily autonomy and reproductive rights, supporting the libertarian principle of self-ownership and the right for women to make choices about their bodies without government interference. Equal treatment under the law was also discussed, focusing on fighting against discriminatory laws that limit women’s rights and opportunities. The event encouraged meaningful dialogue and action towards empowering women through libertarian values.
LOLA DHAKA, BANGLADESH
FIGHT FOR MARIA’S FREEDOM
LOLA Dhaka organized a demonstration in front of the National Parliament to show solidarity for the freedom of María Oropeza, the LOLA Venezuela leader who was forcibly disappeared on September 6th by Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship in Venezuela. The demonstration included participants wearing t-shirts and carrying banners to raise awareness about her plight. The event also highlighted the parallels between María’s case and instances in Bangladesh where the government has abducted political women leaders. Attendees emphasized the importance of not remaining silent in the face of such injustices and stood together in a call for María’s freedom.
LOLA KAMPALA, UGANDA
WOMEN LEAD THE WAY: BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING
LOLA Kampala held an event to spread the word about LOLA and introduce the organization to participants. The event discussed strategies to increase women’s participation in leadership across all sectors, addressing the low representation of women in leadership roles. Speakers highlighted the various challenges women face, including patriarchy, limited access to resources, and inadequate access to information, which hinder their progress in attaining leadership positions.
The event also focused on strategies to overcome these barriers, such as mentorship, skills development, and advocacy. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how LOLA can support women in overcoming these challenges and empower them to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.
LOLA KAMPALA, UGANDA
SHE RISES UP MOVIE SCREENING
LOLA Kampala hosted a screening of the film She Rises Up, highlighting three women overcoming challenges in their economic journeys. The screening followed a discussion where attendees reflected on the lessons learned from the film and how they applied to local contexts. Participants discussed the economic conditions in Uganda, noting how high taxes and lack of access to capital hinder women’s participation in business. The conversation also explored how women can leverage free markets to grow their businesses and contribute to the economy, emphasizing the importance of economic freedom for women’s empowerment.
LOLA JAKARTA, INDONESIA
LIBERTY SHIELD SISTERS
LOLA Jakarta organized an event to educate women on their right to life and security, with a focus on self-defense, in light of the alarming increase in violence and harassment against women in Indonesia. The event emphasized the urgent need for women to be empowered, particularly given the weak law enforcement and limited institutions available to protect women from violence. In September alone, the country saw a disturbing rise in femicide, with three murders reported across the land.
Attendees were equipped with self-defense kits and taught basic Muay Thai techniques to enhance their ability to defend themselves in dangerous situations. In addition, they received self-care and female hygiene kits as part of the merchandise. The event also introduced participants to the LOLA movement, aiming to inspire community and empowerment among women in Indonesia. Through this training, attendees gained valuable skills and knowledge to help protect themselves while becoming more aware of their rights to life and security.