Hundreds march in Mexico demanding action on violence against women

Hundreds of women raised their voice and protested violence against women in Mexico on Tuesday where gender violence remains pervasive.  

According to the official data, about 10 women or girls are killed everyday in Mexico and many live in fear of facing criticism from their partners and relatives. Hundreds of protesters marched in purple or green bandanas, beating drums and carrying placards. One placard read, “Today I am the voice of those who are asking for help.”

Life in fear

Mexican lawyer Alejandra Perez said she lives in fear every day facing major PTSD symptoms since the violence she faced from her ex-partner temporarily left her disabled.

Alin Rocha, a 41-year-old teacher, who marched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women said, “I am here for my grandmother, for my mother, for all of the women who aren’t here anymore, for all the women who report (violence) and aren’t supported,” as quoted by AP.  

Perez showed the courage to participate in the protest to denounce the impunity of many perpetrators of gender-based violence in Mexico.  

The United Nations report shows that about 70 per cent of Mexican women over the age of 15 have experienced some form of aggression and ill treatment at least once in their lifetime.  

Gender equality

Since President Claudia Sheinbaum, the first female leader of Mexico took charge last year, gender equality has gained a lot of attention and recognition. But the recent incident faced by Claudia was a sign that Mexico is still not safe for women. As she walked Sheinbaum was groped by a drunken man earlier this month.  

President Claudia Sheinbaum recently launched a nationwide drive against sexual harassment and abuse, after this incident.  

She gathered governors from 32 different states of Mexico on Tuesday to report to make sexual harassment a crime in every state.

She said, “Changing the laws is not enough, but it is necessary.”

Women died of violent death

Mexican parliamentary records suggest and indicate that about 3,430 women died violent deaths in Mexico last year, , with 829 victims of femicide, a crime defined as murder motivated by a victim’s gender.

Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography said in 2021, about 70 per cent of Mexican girls and women older than 15 years of age reported they had experienced some kind of violence and sexual harassment.  

(With inputs from agencies)