The millions of women who took to the streets on 8-M in Latin America had a clear message: no more violence, universal human rights and equal opportunities. The massive demonstrations have not only had a commemorative or supportive character with a cause, but have been dotted with a political component: a firm appeal to the government and justice palaces, held responsible for the shocking figures of violence and femicide that shake the continent.
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The 8-M, in dispute
Radical equality
This March, also festive and of eminently peaceful marches, between eight and ten women were murdered in Mexico, a fateful average of gender crimes that has occurred in countries like Mexico, Peru, Bolivia or Brazil for decades. This violence cannot be related only to poverty or to the deaths of all kinds that overshadow everyday life in that area of the planet. Abuses, beatings and murders of women have another genesis, dissected throughout the world, which requires specific recipes to alleviate it. Measures to be passed through each of the Government departments; laws that, before being promulgated, must be interrogated for their scope and influence in that specific part of the population. Statements such as those heard in the last days to the president of Chile, blaming women for abuse, do not help; that of Venezuela, which sent them to have children by the tens, or that of Mexico, which tried to divert the message towards minor matters.
The rulers have, above all, much to do in this field, but also much to say. His words are bound to have pedagogical value. Laws and public statements must help in the path of equality and the eradication of this infamous violence. If in a historical demonstration such as that of the Mexican 8-M this year, the women shouted “the State does not take care of me, my friends take care of me”, it means that half of the population of that great country feels that it is unprotected, that the Police are more of an obstacle than a shield against dangers and that justice does not punish the offender or repair the victim. Or that hospitals are not a place where the will of women is taken care of and respected, but where they are subjected to actions that affect their own bodies but on which they have not had the last word.
The continued inaction of democratic institutions in defense of women's rights in many Latin American countries is a scandal. Urgent actions are needed. Fortunately, millions of Latin American women are saying they are not willing to wait any longer.
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