MAY 1ST: Toborochi flowers, from intense to subtle colors

From the window that separates my workplace from the outside I can see the beauty of the flowers of some toborochis trees that extend through the small garden of the Women's House.

When these toborochis (a type of squash) announce their bloom, it also heralds International Workers' Day, and the historical memory of the labor movements of May 1st emerges, back in the early days of capitalism (1886), when men, young people, and women workers alike led the most historic protests and strikes of social movements, winning the eight-hour workday with their lives. Today, I especially congratulate all women, both salaried and self-employed, who are workers in every sense of the word.

Alongside the historical memory of May 1st, the political thoughts and commitments of courageous women return, women who, breaking with sexist stereotypes and prejudices, dared to take to the streets in the first women's march demanding respect for our rights and an end to male hegemony. After many marches and protests, on an extraordinarily massive May 1st, 1990, women flooded the "Workers' March" and prepared to open the doors of the Women's Center; it was the time of the toborochi trees in bloom.

So many women were present at that moment that I don't dare name any of them for fear of excluding others. The Women's Center is like the toborochi tree, with its wide belly and beautiful flowers; and in its many roots lies the spirit and the libertarian dreams that make transformations possible, such as ending gender-based violence.

The toborochi trees that today provide welcoming shade to the Women's House will continue to bloom May after May, reminding us that changes – just like in 1886 – happen when there are many drivers and protagonists, when the libertarian dream crosses the border of individuality to collectivity, maintaining its principles and commitments.

Comrades, the best tribute to the working women of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and the world is our commitment to not abandon the path. Let us continue, for although the road is long, walking together makes it shorter.

Congratulations to all our women companions on the path of cultural and patriarchal dismantling. Thank you for all your efforts.