MATRIARCHAL MILITANCY
We believe in Matriarchal Militancy...
...a term we coined and defined in the Brown Beret Organization, because not only were we the first National Organization to promote and fully empower a mujer to the position of National Commander, but also move the entire organization into a Matriarchal structure.
We uplift Indigenous Matriarchy
it is very clear to us that Indigenous Chicanas not only face machismo, and catholic religious restrictions (Marianismo), but now living in the US, face misogyny, rape culture, and oppression by White/European women as well who view Indigenous Chicanas as a threat.
Indigenous matriarchy is not based upon women being "better than" men.
No, it isn't about or abusing and hating men, but instead they see the need for a restoration of balance, the harmony in duality, women and men working together to co-create and empower each other. It is about community, equality, justice, loyalty, and love.
Many of our Indigenous societies were traditionally Matriarchal as women were viewed as sacred, life givers, creators, and protectors. All the way down to our chromosomes we have unique differences that makes our duality special, we cannot exist without one another. It is the way our community has endured and flourished, and it shall guide us moving forward.
The notion that Matriarchs should remain confined to "domestic roles"...
...while militancy is deemed a "male domain" is not only absurd but also reflects a deeply patronizing and patriarchal viewpoint; women's motivations for fighting are rooted in love, contrasting with many powerful men's pursuits of ego, power, and glory.
As Che said, a true revolutionary is moved by great feelings of love! The lion, often called the "King of the Jungle," maintains his position only with the support of the lionesses, who will fiercely evict or even kill him if he threatens the cubs. Although they may be smaller, mother bears can be more ruthless, readily driving off male bears that approach their young; similarly, the ants, termites and honey bees, have queens that completely run their nests and hives with complex social structures.
Matriarchal Militancy emerges naturally from the evolution of Indigenous Chicana mujeres who have embraced empowerment, seeking leadership and fighting for their families and communities, as evidenced by the women-driven initiatives from the Zapatistas to the Community Militias in Mexico, to take back their villages. Thanks to them for paving the way for us to establish the first and only Matriarchal Militant revolutionary organization.
