Women, Violence & Resistance in Latin America

The past years have seen unprecedented movements to eliminate violence against women in our region. From the MeToo movements to denounce abuse and harassment, to Chilean women's viral performance of 'Un violador en tu camino', to demonstrations for the right to choose and now school occupations against violence in Mexico, a new generation of feminists is saying 'Never again!.' We've also seen some advances in legislative and institutional recognition of the problem and responses. But at the same time, violence against women has been rising, and growing conservative movements would strip away some of the historic wins of the past. What gives? Why can't we seem to make progress on the most basic issue of guaranteeing our physical safety? This talk examines recent debates among feminists, different approaches and results, and what can be done.

Laura Carlsen is the director of the Americas program and a consultant on gender issues for international organizations including JASS, the Nobel Women's Initiative and the Global Fund for Women. She has participated in, and reported on, both meetings of Women who Struggle in Zapatista territory and has written extensively on gender violence.