Women's rights.

“Something you wish would change (or be changed) in Chile”

This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot in the past month. Before October I would have answered that I wished the return of communities and that type of organization. But since the protest started I’ve seen that came back, slowly. And I think it’s been so important to keep the manifestations going, the feeling of being together, fighting for our dignity.

Now I really think women's rights must be a central part not only of the protests, but also of the Chile we want to build from here on out.

As women, throughout history, our views have been neglected by the law, the state and society overall. The patriarchy has shaped the way we have to think, act and do things, and has also made the world a tough place for us. Violence against women hasn’t decreased with the passing of years, and this year along there has been 43 femicides, surpassing last year’s number.

This are only a few of the reasons that thousands of women have taken the streets of different cities of Chile to express their anger towards the Chilean government, the judge system, the cops (who have been blamed with multiple allegations of rape and sexual violence towards women, including minors) and the president. All of this in a catchy but raw performance called “Un violador en tu camino”, which has become a symbol of a new wave of protest, marked by feminist demands.

I participated in one of these performances, in Estadio Nacional on December 4^th. It had a huge attendance and there were women of all ages participating. I went with my mom and we had an amazing time, such an incredible feeling being with so many people who are asking for the same things as you, and that understand the trouble that comes with being a woman in this country.