Sandino's Daughters Revisited: Feminism in Nicaragua

Randall ( Sandino's Daughters ) lived for more than three years in Nicaragua and supported the Sandinistas. Returning there in 1991 after the Sandinista defeat, she concluded that the party's inability to confront feminism was a major failure, and resolved to explore the state of Nicaraguan feminism. What emerged are deeply textured interviews with 12 women, a worthy contribution to the literature concerning both Nicaragua and the role of women in social change. Poet Michele Najlis recalls Daniel Ortega dismissing abortion and family planning as exotic ideas important only to intellectuals. Doctor Mirna Cunningham, raped by contras in a notorious incident, says that ethnically diverse women from the Atlantic Coast face ``an inordinate degree of violence.'' Daisy Zamora, the former vice-minister of culture, reflects that the few women in power should have protested in louder voices. Lawyer Milu Vargas makes the central point that a revolution means both external and internal change. Despite their detailed and thoughtful criticisms, these women remain proud of the progress of their country and retain many of their revolutionary ideals. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Mar.)