The following article explores the feminist and women’s movements in Cali between 1980 and 1986, a period greatly influenced by second wave feminism, from a historical perspective. Based on feminist historiography, it reconstructs the origins and development of the Coordinadora de Mujeres (1981). At the same time, through the lens of collective action, it gives an account of the repertoire of the activities of organized women, the dynamics of the social movement and the generation of distinct public and non-public challenges, interpreted here in terms of increased political participation. Finally, it will reflect upon the redefinition of the concept of politics developed by feminist activists and theorists.