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Learning From the Vietnamese

From the Vietnamese we will have to learn, I will conclude with the women's liberation program from the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. Fourier once explained that the change in a historical epoch can always be determined by the progress of women towards freedom and that the emancipation of women is the natural measure of general emancipation. Comparing the position of women in America and in Vietnam shows how much we must learn from the Vietnamese.

From the NLF's expanded ten-point program, adopted in August 1967:

To carry out equality between man and woman to protect mother and children.

To pay the utmost attention to raising the political, cultural and vocational standard of the women, in view of their merits in the struggle against U.S. aggression, for national salvation. To develop the Vietnamese women's traditions of heroism, dauntlessness, fidelity and ability to shoulder responsibilities.

Women are equal to men in the political, economic, cultural and social fields.

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Women who do the same job receive the same salary and allowances and enjoy the same rights as men.

Women workers and civil servants enjoy two months' maternity leave with full pay, before and after childbirth.

To apply a policy of actively favoring, fostering and training women cadres.

To promulgate progressive marriage and family regulations.

To protect the rights of mothers and children. To develop the network of maternity homes, creches and infant classes.

To eliminate all social evils brought about by the U.S. imperialists and their lackeys, which are harmful to women's health and dignity."

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