Mexican women strike to protest against gender based violence
On June 9, 2020, millions of Mexican women went on strike to protest against gender-based violence and demand greater protection and justice for victims. The strike, known as "Un Día Sin Nosotras" (A Day Without Us), was a massive display of solidarity and defiance in the face of rampant gender-based violence in Mexico.
The strike was sparked by the brutal murder of 25-year-old Ingrid Escamilla, whose body was mutilated and left on the streets of Mexico City. Her death was just the latest in a long string of violent crimes against women in Mexico, which has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world.
The strike was called by a coalition of feminist organizations, labor unions, and social movements, who demanded an end to gender-based violence, greater protection for women, and justice for victims. The strike was supported by many women, including those who stayed home from work, school, and other activities, as well as those who took to the streets to protest.
During the strike, women and allies held rallies, marches, and other events across the country, demanding action from the government to address the crisis of gender-based violence. The protests were largely peaceful, but some turned violent when clashes broke out between protesters and police.
The strike had a significant impact, with many businesses and services affected by the lack of women's participation. The government was forced to respond, with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announcing a series of measures to address gender-based violence, including the creation of a new ministry to combat violence against women and the deployment of additional police and prosecutors to investigate and prosecute cases.
The strike was also a major success in terms of raising awareness and sparking a national conversation about gender-based violence. It highlighted the need for greater action to address the root causes of violence against women, including patriarchal attitudes and societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
In the aftermath of the strike, there have been ongoing protests and demonstrations, with many women continuing to demand greater action from the government to address the crisis of gender-based violence. The strike has also inspired similar movements and protests in other countries, including the United States and Argentina, where women are also demanding greater protection and justice.
Overall, the Mexican women's strike was a powerful display of solidarity and defiance in the face of gender-based violence, and it has helped to raise awareness and spark a national conversation about the need for greater action to address this critical issue.