Argelia Laya, outstanding educator, councilor, member of parliament and social fighter

On July 10, 1926, Argelia Laya was born, a prominent educator, councilor, deputy and social fighter, a well-known defender of women's rights and an intense revolutionary.

This proud Afro-descendant joined the armed struggle of the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV), going underground when she joined the guerrilla movement of the time. At this stage of her life, she toured the mountains of Lara under the name of Commander Jacinta, and later became the president of the Movement for Socialism (MAS).

Laya dedicated her life to the academic training of many and many, as well as to the political struggle for democracy in our country. She promoted debates and demands such as the exercise of women's vote in 1947, the approval of the Civil Code Reform in 1982, the Approval Act for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, pre- and post-natal rest, the rights of adoptive mothers and children, non-discrimination in job offers, the right to abortion and an incalculable contribution to various national and international women's movements and commissions.

In addition, she was always involved in political issues in Venezuela, she was and is an example of the political participation of Venezuelan women. She always worked in movements and organizations from where she worked for the human rights of black, indigenous and disabled women.

Argelia Laya left us to remain forever in our history, we honor once again the solid and respected presence of this country's political and social fighter, and her influence the Revolutionary, Socialist and Feminist Government led by Commander Hugo Chávez Frías.

Mazo News Team