By Lauren Borough, Bristol Women’s Voice Volunteer
On Tuesday 23 April 2024, a small group of women gathered to listen to the inspiring talk by Laila Garzón Deguer and Valentina Moya Espinoza from Latinas in Bristol shedding light on the impactful feminist movements in Latin America.
They started the talk by providing context of why feminism has become so important in recent years; in Latin America a woman is murdered every 18 hours. They highlighted pivotal cases such as the tragic and brutal femicides of Chiara Páez and Lucia Perez in 2016, which ignited widespread outrage and catalysed change.
Ni Una Menos
‘Ni Una Menos’ – Not a Woman Less – began in Argentina in 2015, motivated by the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, producing a collective outcry against gender-based violence. The movement spread across Latin America, with women united in advocating for human rights, the right to abortion law, and fighting the systemic issues and gender-based violence women experience daily.
‘The Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo’ were women fighting to find their children and grandchildren who disappeared during the Argentinian dictatorship in the 1970s, and they are still finding children now; this partially inspired Ni Una Menos due to the solidarity of women against resistance. Art and activism intertwined to create change, demonstrated by the symbolic green bandanas worn by women advocating for abortion rights. A visual symbol of resistance, embodying the ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice.
“I want to be free, not brave”
Valentina spoke about the activism of feminist students in 2018, who demonstrated in schools and universities to campaign against the sexual harassment and discrimination occurring institutionally. The presentation showed pictures of women protesting, with signs such as “I want to be free, not brave”, “we want each other alive”, and “all women against all violence”.
Both speakers highlighted how the intersection of art and activism has been pivotal in empowering women worldwide to confront patriarchal violence and femicide. In particular, they highlighted the powerful impact of the ‘Las Tesis’ performances – ‘A Rapist in Your Path’ – which gained global momentum in 2019. Originating in Chile, these performances sparked a viral movement, uniting protesters worldwide against violence targeting women. Through these artistic performances, feminists amplified the voices of those affected by violence, creating a deeper understanding of the horrors endured by women.
The talk was inspiring and educational for all women present, and more information can be found on the Latinas in Bristol website:
https://latinasinbristol.com/
Find our next Inspiring Women Talks here:
