Men and Women Have an “Equal Voice” for This New Constitution

In the wake of 2019’s protests that challenged inequality, Chile’s new constitutional assembly will draft the world’s first constitution written by an equal number of men and women, leading the fight for equality.

“The parity rule is an example that we have a chance to do something truly different. We want to create a different relation between the state and society. There has been a disconnect in Chile for too long,” says Giovanna Roa, 34, one of 77 female delegates. “We will win when the new constitution is accepted.”

The current constitution dates from 1980 and was written by proponents of the Pinochet dictatorship, yet Chile returned to democracy the following decade. The 77 women and 78 men newly elected – composed of young progressives, Indigenous people, and scientists who campaigned for gender equality, access to natural resources, and environment protection – have a year to draft a constitution to replace the old one.