We’re excited to share what LOLA Chapters have been up to in the month of November, as well as events we took part in. We encourage you to pay special attention to the Atlas Liberty Forum and Freedom Dinner recap and learn how LOLA is changing the culture for women in the liberty movement.
We are happy to announce the newest LOLA Chapter in Latin America, how LOLA is helping Guatemalan women have access to vote given the country’s complex voting process, and how LOLA Polish Chapter participated in efforts to decrease the gender pay gap privately.
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LOLA Oaxaca: We launched a new chapter in Mexico
LOLA Leaders — Barbara, Oldairna, and Yanet — launched the second Chapter in Mexico in the city of Oaxaca. Barbara reports on their latest, introductory Zoom meeting: “Many women feel insecure about their financial situation and how to manage their money. It was important to equip the women in Oaxaca, Mexico with the skills and know-how’s on how to build up their financial security.
LOLA Poland: Private solutions to the gender wage gap
Data shows that women in Poland are better educated than men, yet they still earn on average 15-40% less. LOLA believes we must examine the reasons for differences in compensation among men and women in different industries whether it’s caused by discrimination or other mitigating economic factors and seek private instead of government solutions.
The event was hosted by the Business Centre Club (BCC) — an NGO that brings together Polish entrepreneurs and employers in efforts to support the development of the Polish economy, fight unemployment, and support entrepreneurship.
BCC launched an initiative that derives from the private sector that avoids postulated bills or using state coercion to solve the problem. Instead, the “Equal Pay Certificate”, was signed and launched a private, voluntary initiative led by entrepreneurs and CEOs who have recognized the problem of inequality in pay for women and men.
The certificate is a tool that will allow reliable verification of workplace practices to meet ethical and formal standards related to gender pay transparency. Any business/organization can voluntarily take part in this certification if they wish to. While it isn’t mandatory, it is a great opportunity to step forward and stand out from Polish businesses that still use discriminatory payment practices when it comes to gender.
While a gender wage gap results from a variety of factors including differences in the decisions women vs men make, they shouldn’t result from pure discrimination against women. The private sector is once again proving that the best anti-discrimination antidote is strong economic growth and the ability to compete in the free market.
LOLA Córdoba, Argentina: Tear down the walls
LOLAs from the city of Córdoba commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall by attending the event Derribemos Muros (Tear Down the Walls) in the capital where they reflected on the downfall of communism and the many symbolic walls that remain to be demolished. The event helped relate history to the present times as LOLAs discussed solutions for the city of Córdoba.
LOLA Guatemala: Women’s active political participation
It is a complex process to vote in the country in Guatemala. Of 18 million people, only 3 million are eligible to vote. The political system is designed to make sure few people vote but LOLA Guatemala is partnering with like-minded organizations in order to change that. This is the 5th political training event hosted by LOLA Guatemala designed to increase the number of people who are able to vote in Guatemala.
The course aims to train the participants in three main topics: 1) To provide Guatemalan women with basic information about the importance of civic participation. 2) Teach them how the electoral process takes place in Guatemala and the steps required to participate. 3) To educate them in various ways beyond voting to impact Guatemalan society from their communities.
LOLA at the Atlas Network Liberty Forum
Changing the culture for women in the liberty movement
Research shows that libertarian women feel the most alone in their philosophy than any other. Numerous women have come to LOLA sharing their experiences of being talked over, not being taken seriously, wanting to do more for the advancement of liberty but not feeling supported, and their experiences with sexual harassment in the liberty movement.
In an effort to have an open dialogue and find liberty-minded solutions, LOLA Director Izabela Patriota opened the “Women in Leadership” by talking about her personal experiences and challenges in being in a male-dominated movement. Next, attendees took part in a roundtable discussion of 5-6 people per group where they had the chance to connect and discuss private solutions.
While radical feminism calls for the government to do more on women’s issues, LOLA believes that we can find private solutions, together. Women left the event with supportive connections and practicals to apply in the movement and workplace. This event showed how private individuals can work together to change the culture for women in the liberty movement.
LOLA Brazil Leadership Retreat
LOLA brought leadership training to São Paulo, Brazil in November. Attendees learned from top leaders in the liberty movement on a variety of topics such as political activism, Brazilian problems and libertarian solutions, how to grow your social media, how to deliver an elevator pitch and more! Lookout for the full retreat recap coming soon!
