December 28, 1977
Four women in La Paz, Bolivia, initiated a 23-day hunger strike demanding amnesty for political exiles, restoration of jobs for workers terminated for organizing, reinstatement of labor unions and the removal of the military from the tin mines. The women and their hunger strike were supported by fifty other wives of tin miners who had been fired for union activity. The children of the women were also part of the hunger strike. After public criticism arose over the inclusion of children, the women responded saying that the children would eat when adults took their place. Others joined the movement and eventually there were more than 1,380 people fasting. Other nonviolent resistance included churches and universities across Bolivia becoming centers for peaceful demonstrations and in Mexico, groups joined the hunger strike to emphasize solidarity. The overwhelming support for the hunger strike led to the release of most political prisoners and the recognition of trade unions.
