Allegra Bortoni, Grade 12
UWC Costa Rica
Recent statistics indicate an average of 11 daily femicides in Mexico. Not only in Mexico, but in all of Latin America the violence against women is an issue that is constantly worsening. A culture of impunity, the embracement of sexism, and a corrupt justice system are factors that sustain and potentiate the aggravation of the calamities that the female population is left alone to face and handle.
As the month of March arrived at UWC Costa Rica, the student body anticipated the arrival of Women’s Week. On the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, a slight culture shock was experienced as we discussed how the event was handled in different countries. My residence participated in a discussion where we exposed our views and opinions on what activities should we perform during said date. Students from Europe and the Middle East commented that it is traditional that in their countries people celebrate women in their families by thanking them and appreciating them. Contrastingly, in Latin America, it is seen as inconsiderate and disrespectful to wish a woman a “happy women’s day” on the 8th of March. We do not treat the date as a celebration, but rather as a commemoration for our sisters who have passed away due to gender-based violence. It is a day where we reflect on what has been achieved in favor of women’s rights, but more significantly, we manifest what needs to be done.
While I was on campus, towards the end of the school year, Costa Rican elections took place. After the final results were announced, a relevant portion of the Costa Rican students was disappointed with the selected candidate. It has been publicly reported that Rodrigo Chavez, Costa Rica’s actual president has multiple accusations addressing sexual abuse and harassment. It made me remember Mexico’s former senator Felix Salgado Macedonio. His 2021 candidacy for the gubernatorial elections was accepted and supported by the president despite the various accusations of sexual abuse against him. This clearly reflects the state's stance on the struggle for women's rights. If the authorities in charge of protecting the victim are the same ones who protect the aggressors, where does that leave us?
As a result, the justice system is cataloged as inefficient. Most reports are treated with indifference or are not followed up, causing them to diminish and sustain a culture of impunity. Victims are revictimized or perceived as responsible for the aggressions they have received. Unfortunately, it is common for cruel and merciless questions to arise. “Why were you out so late? But what were you wearing? Why were you at that place?”, “If you hadn’t been out at ____, that probably wouldn’t have happened.”, ¨But what were you expecting after dressing so provocatively?” It is as if the victims are constantly held accountable instead of making the aggressors responsible for their atrocious actions.
Clearly, combating gender-based violence is not an overnight issue. It is a social problem that is sustained by a macho culture, patriarchal structures, and an incompetent justice system.
As citizens of the world, it is up to us to question these structures, to constantly inform ourselves about these incidents, provide our support to the victims, and attend events that seek change.
As the month of March arrived at UWC Costa Rica, the student body anticipated the arrival of Women’s Week. On the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, a slight culture shock was experienced as we discussed how the event was handled in different countries. My residence participated in a discussion where we exposed our views and opinions on what activities should we perform during said date. Students from Europe and the Middle East commented that it is traditional that in their countries people celebrate women in their families by thanking them and appreciating them. Contrastingly, in Latin America, it is seen as inconsiderate and disrespectful to wish a woman a “happy women’s day” on the 8th of March. We do not treat the date as a celebration, but rather as a commemoration for our sisters who have passed away due to gender-based violence. It is a day where we reflect on what has been achieved in favor of women’s rights, but more significantly, we manifest what needs to be done.
While I was on campus, towards the end of the school year, Costa Rican elections took place. After the final results were announced, a relevant portion of the Costa Rican students was disappointed with the selected candidate. It has been publicly reported that Rodrigo Chavez, Costa Rica’s actual president has multiple accusations addressing sexual abuse and harassment. It made me remember Mexico’s former senator Felix Salgado Macedonio. His 2021 candidacy for the gubernatorial elections was accepted and supported by the president despite the various accusations of sexual abuse against him. This clearly reflects the state's stance on the struggle for women's rights. If the authorities in charge of protecting the victim are the same ones who protect the aggressors, where does that leave us?
As a result, the justice system is cataloged as inefficient. Most reports are treated with indifference or are not followed up, causing them to diminish and sustain a culture of impunity. Victims are revictimized or perceived as responsible for the aggressions they have received. Unfortunately, it is common for cruel and merciless questions to arise. “Why were you out so late? But what were you wearing? Why were you at that place?”, “If you hadn’t been out at ____, that probably wouldn’t have happened.”, ¨But what were you expecting after dressing so provocatively?” It is as if the victims are constantly held accountable instead of making the aggressors responsible for their atrocious actions.
Clearly, combating gender-based violence is not an overnight issue. It is a social problem that is sustained by a macho culture, patriarchal structures, and an incompetent justice system.
As citizens of the world, it is up to us to question these structures, to constantly inform ourselves about these incidents, provide our support to the victims, and attend events that seek change.
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